For wherever conscious purpose is to be seen, there the truth and innocence of nature have been lost. These should be disinterested people, especially in times of increase, since the benefit is to spread from the leader to the people. Human life on earth is conditioned and unfree, and when man recognizes this limitation and makes himself dependent upon the harmonious and beneficent forces of the cosmos, he achieves success. Energetic biting through overcomes the obstacle that prevents joining of the lips; the storm with its thunder and lightning overcomes the disturbing tension in nature.

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. He brings to perfection in the sign of Keeping Still”: thus in the early spring, when the seeds fall to earth, all things are made ready. Thereupon he turns back irresolutely and retires into his house, only to find, as a fresh disappointment, that his wife is not there. A boar’s tusk is in itself dangerous, but if the boar’s nature is altered, the tusk is no longer a menace. Hence too a ravine is used to symbolize danger; it is a situation in which a man is in the same pass as the water in a ravine, and, like the water, he can escape if he behaves correctly.In such times of shock, presence of mind is all too easily lost: the individual overlooks all opportunities for action and mutely lets fate take its course. But as soon as he grasps the situation, changes this mental attitude, and makes a firm decision, he masters the oppression. It is necessary for elements predestined to be joined and mutually dependent to come to meet one another halfway. When a man is advancing farther and farther, it is important for him not to become intoxicated by success. Although as a general rule the weak should not come to meet the strong, there are times when this has great significance.

Thus also rulers make use of danger to protect themselves against attacks from without and against turmoil within. But his comrades, who no longer heed any warning, will in their excitement certainly be displeased with him. This cannot be changed, but the movements of the heart—that is, a man’s thoughts—should restrict themselves to the immediate situation. In the 2nd century BC, the I Ching became one of the 'Five Classics', regarding Confucianism, and has since become a famous and widely-studied text for the basis of divination across the world.At first it may be disappointing to renounce comforts that might have been obtained, yet one finds peace of mind in a true relationship with the friend who courts him. This time resembles that of the marriage of heaven and earth, when the earth partakes of the creative power of heaven, forming and bringing forth living beings. But he is still irresolute; he is still influenced by the previous condition and fears that he may have cause for regret if he makes a move. Nothing of this benefit should be held back in a selfish way; it should really reach those for whom it is intended. Confucius says about this line: "Weak character coupled with honored place, meager knowledge with large plans, limited powers with heavy responsibility, will seldom escape disaster.

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. Slipcase in G/G+ condition, showing some wear around edges and corners, title plate in clean, red text bold.Exceptional enterprises cannot succeed unless utmost caution is observed in their beginnings and in the laying of their foundations. 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. The two together represent the repeated movement of the sun, the function of light with respect to time.

Fine in original black cloth, stamped in gilt, and very good in original pictorial dust jackets, light chipping with a closed tear to spine and one panel. Since the hexagram is made up of the trigrams for thunder and for lightning, it indicates how obstacles are forcibly removed in nature.

It is the same with a revolution brought about by a great man: large, clear guiding lines become visible, understandable to everyone. Used for divination, it is a method of exploring the unconscious; through the symbolism of its hexagrams we are guided towards the solution of difficult problems and life situations. This pictures a time when inferior people are pushing forward and are about to crowd out the few remaining strong and superior men.