Steven Karcher & Michael Servetus
The limits you set turn to you to stone. Do not even complete the day like this. Trial: Wise Words! The Way opens.
Free yourself from these constraints. Your purpose is correct and it is time to expand. Attack your problems aggressively. In the greatest difficulties partners will come. You can catch the hidden negativity and acquire the power to act directly. These goings and comings release the energy now bound up in the past. Co-operate with the ongoing process of change.
Richard Wilhelm
Firm as a rock. Not a whole day.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
##### Comments
This describes a person who does not allow himself to be misled by any illusions. While others are letting themselves be dazzled by enthusiasm, he recognizes with perfect clarity the first signs of the time. Thus he neither flatters those above nor neglects those beneath him; he is as firm as a rock. When the first sign of discord appears, he knows the right moment for withdrawing and does not delay even for a day. Perseverance in such conduct will bring good fortune. Confucius says about this line:
To know the seeds, that is divine indeed. In his association with those above him, the superior man does not flatter. In his association with those beneath him, he is not arrogant. For he knows the seeds. The seeds are the first imperceptible beginning of movement, the first trace of good fortune (or misfortune) that shows itself. The superior man perceives the seeds and immediately takes actin. He does not wait even a whole day. In the Book of Changes it is said: "Firm as a rock. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune."
Firm as a rock, what need of a whole day?
The judgment can be known.
The superior man knows what is hidden and what is evident.
He knows weakness, he knows strength as well.
Hence the myriads look up to him.
