Inner Truth — 二九

The Line

Interpretation

Here is the talk of the involuntary influence of the inner being on like-attuned people. The crane does not need to show itself on a high hill. Even if it lets its call sound quite in concealment, its young hears its voice and knows it and gives it answer. Where a cheerful mood is, there too a comrade appears who shares a goblet of wine with one. Thus the echo shows itself that is awakened by sympathy in the human being. Where a mood truly and purely expresses itself, where a deed is the clear expression of disposition, there they work mysteriously into the distance, at first on those who are inwardly receptive. But these circles broaden. The root of all effect lies in one's own interior. When this expresses itself quite truly and strongly in word and deed, then the effect is great. The effect is only the mirror-image of what proceeds from one's own breast. Any intention of effect would only destroy this effect. Confucius says of this: "The noble one dwells in their room. If they utter their words well, they find agreement from a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more from near by. If the noble one dwells in their room and does not utter their words well, they find contradiction from a distance of more than a thousand miles. How much more from near by! The words go forth from one's own person and work on people. The works arise in the near and become visible in the distance. Words and works are the noble one's door-hinge and crossbow-spring. As this hinge and spring move, they bring honor or disgrace. Through words and works the noble one moves heaven and earth. Must one not then be careful?"