Hexagram 42 · Line 6
Increase — 上九
Yi Increase · Shang Jiu
The Line
He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone strikes them. They do not hold their heart lastingly firm. Misfortune!
Interpretation
The sense of the situation is that the upper should increase the lower through renunciation. By neglecting this duty and benefiting no one, one withdraws oneself also from the furthering influence of others and soon sees oneself isolated. Thereby one draws attacks upon oneself. A disposition that is not continually in accord with the demands of the time will necessarily bring misfortune. Confucius says about this line: "The noble one brings their person into rest before they move; they compose themself in their mind before they speak; they firm up their relations before they ask for something. By bringing these three things into order, the noble one is in complete security. But if one is abrupt in one's movements, people do not join in. If one is agitated in one's words, they find no echo among people. If one demands something without prior relations, people do not give it to one. If no one is with one, the harmers come near."