Hexagram 41 · Line 2
Decrease — 二六
Sun · Er Liu
二六 · Er Liu
The Line
Perseverance furthers. To undertake something brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, one is able to increase others.
Interpretation
A noble self-consciousness and consistent earnestness, which forfeits nothing of itself, is the disposition that is necessary when one wants to serve others. Whoever throws themself away to oblige a superior diminishes their own position without, however, lastingly benefiting the other. This is evil. Without giving oneself up, to serve the other, that alone is the true service of lasting value.