Repair — 上六

The Line

Interpretation

Not every person is obligated to meddle in the affairs of the world. There are also those who are already so far developed inwardly that they have the right to let the world run its course, without reforming intervention in political life. But this does not mean that they may remain inactive or merely critical. Only work on the higher goals of humanity in one's own person gives the right to such withdrawal. For even when the sage holds themself aloof from the business of the day, they nevertheless create incomparable human values for the future. (In Europe, Goethe's position after the Napoleonic wars is an example of this kind of conduct.)