Hexagram 10: Bad Fix

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Loud bellowing demands quick change, but there is peril in moving too fast.

Judgement:

The messenger brings orders to fix a bug. Though the way is clear, yet there is room for error. The fool moves too fast and bring blame upon himself. The Wise One knows to seek advice and examine all things closely, for surely error follows error as the moon follows the sun.

Moving Lines:

• Line 6 -- The fix is made and all is quiet for a time. Yet, if the error continues, all will be louder than before. The Wise One, cherishes the brief silence, but he knows even steps taken slowly are sometimes steps backwards.
• Line 5 -- The way is clear, but unexpected difficulties prevent further progress. The trusted paths to correctness can still admit failure. It is better to lay aside one's coding quill than persist in error.
• Line 4 -- Though the code is carefully though out, the scribe is not trustworthy. When even the stroke of a quill affects the course of heaven and earth, all details require correctness. The Wise One knows to not leave anything to chance.
• Line 3 -- The error is found, but the source is not obvious. Many paths lead away from error, but few lead to beauty. The Wise One pauses to make the correct choice, knowing advice is often wrong. No blame follows, unless deadlines pass.
• Line 2 -- The messenger is puffed up and writes orders in bold strokes. There is no understanding of why error happened and no inquiries are made. Blame will be assigned and careers will advance. The Wise One lets go of regret, for blame does not write code.
• Line 1 -- Thunder bellows forth from the abyss. The messenger gloats over finding fault and demands immediate change. The Wise One knows haste brought about error and will return to error. This is a time to be open and receptive. He tells the messenger to wait in the aisle.

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Translator's Notes