Hexagram 13: Paper Work

Image:

Mountains of parchment, leading to nothingness.

Judgement:

Rules and regulations must be followed, manuals and documents written. Every step forward must be cleared with a minister. The Wise One knows the emperor's men must be satisfied, but ten thousand forms do not produce a single line of code.

Moving Lines:

• Line 6 -- All is complete, but the code may not be integrated. Reports must be written, seeking permission and giving assurance. Beauty is not recognized for what it is worth. The Wise One sits at his desk with quill in hand until the sun is low.
• Line 5 -- The code shines with the splendor of ten thousand suns, but only the programmer can see it. Words must be written telling all the details. For some, beauty is better read about than actually seen. No progress.
• Line 4 -- From a maze of words, the creative light shines forth. Ministers have no rule over the writing of code. The Wise One enjoys this moment of freedom.
• Line 3 -- The sage sees his design in heaven and earth, the minister sees it on parchment. Though the path is clear, no progress is possible until every word is approved. The Wise One secretly writes his code while ministers confer.
• Line 2 -- Before the work can even begin, ministers must approve. Appeals must be made, telling what a splendid work will be produced. Permission will come in due time, but it is only empty noise.
• Line 1 -- Before there was any work, there was the ten thousand rules. Ministers vie for the right to reign over matters of no consequence. The Wise One prefers to write code, not rules.

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Translator's Notes