Hexagram 17 · Line 1
Following — 初六
Sui · Chu Liu
The Line
The measure changes. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out the door in intercourse creates works.
Interpretation
There are exceptional states in which the relation of leader and led changes. It lies in the idea of adaptation and following that, when one wants to lead others, one remains accessible and lets oneself be determined by the views of subordinates. Only one must have firm principles in this, so that one does not become wavering where it is only a matter of the opinions of the day. When one is prepared to listen to the opinions of others, one must not always sit together only with the like-minded and with party comrades; one must go out the door and mix freely with people of every kind, friend or foe. Only thus does one accomplish something.