I Ching or Book of Changes

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When a strong man meets with adversity, he remains cheerful despite all danger, and this cheerfulness is the source of later successes; it is that stability which is stronger than fate. The inferior thing seems so harmless and inviting that a man delights in it; it looks so small and weak that he imagines he may dally with it and come to no harm. Indeed, as the head of the other weak lines, it leads all of these to the strong line, just as a princess leads her maids–in–waiting like a shoal of fishes to her husband and thus gains his favor.

Wilhelm's translation first appeared in 1924; Baynes' English translation was first published in 1950.

Itsorigin goes back to mythical antiquity, and it has occupied theattention of the most eminent scholars of China down to the presentday. So too with leaders of mankind: it is all–important that one should drink from the spring of their words and translate them into life. This produces great power, a situation in contrast to that of the ninth hexagram, Hsiao Ch’u, THE TAMING POWER OF THE SMALL, in which the Creative is tamed by the Gentle alone. By neglecting this duty and helping no one, they in turn lose the furthering influence of others and soon find themselves alone.

But everything depends on his not letting unexpected good fortune make him heedless; he must make it his own through inner strength and steadfastness. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way; it should really reach those for whom it is intended. If great help comes to a man from on high, this increased strength must be used to achieve something great for which he might otherwise never have found energy, or readiness to take responsibility. The obstructions in the social life of man increase when there is a lack of clarity in the penal codes and slackness in executing them.An individual who has the good of mankind at heart is oppressed from above and below (this is the meaning of the cutting off of nose and feet). But he can endure this lack of appreciation and makes no mistake, because he remains true to himself.

Thus the well is the symbol of that social structure which, evolved by mankind in meeting its most primitive needs, is independent of all political forms. A luminous thing giving out light must have within itself something that perseveres; otherwise it will in time burn itself out. It describes, in Hexagram 16: "Enthusiasm", the great sacrifice which is the "final summation of Chinese culture"!While all others are engaged in a resolute fight against all that is inferior, he alone has a certain relationship with an inferior man. If there is neither a resistance that might be vigorously combated, nor yet a yielding that permits of victory—if, instead, everything is tough and inert like mire—movement is crippled. At first he wants to push ahead, then he encounters obstructions that, it is true, mean oppression only when recklessly dealt with. One is at rest, not merely in a small, circumscribed way in regard to matters of detail, but one has also a general resignation in regard to life as a whole, and this confers peace and good fortune in relation to every individual matter.

A man brings about real increase by producing in himself the conditions for it, that is, through receptivity to and love of the good. Bindings are tight, sturdy, and square; light wear to edges of black cloth boards, gilt titling remains bright and bold; text very good throughout both volumes. G. Jung and an informative introduction by Richard Wilhelm, this beautiful edition of the I Ching shares the essence of wisdom and a true understanding of life. January 9 th 2022), a "restyling" has been completed for the entire site I Ching Online, including all 64 Richard Wilhelm hexagram pages AND the 384 changing line pages.Under these circumstances, which are due to the time, it is not favorable for the superior man to undertake anything.