Hexagram 15: Burn Out
Image:
The fire that burns hottest leaves the coldest ashes.
Judgement:
The project is nearly done, the code almost works. Though little remains to complete, the most difficult is still ahead. The Wise One moves slowly, saving his creative energies, and dreams of long voyages. Only the fool redoubles his efforts.
Moving Lines:
- Line 6 -- The fire is completely burnt out. No progress. Though problems pile up like mountains, no one can look upon them. Ministers wait for code and wonder why the day has turned so cold.
- Line 5 -- A cold rain falls upon the dying coals. The code is tested for nine months. Results pile up and fall into the Great Hole. Ministers exhort the programmers to work harder. Their voices echo through an empty room.
- Line 4 -- The flame flickers long into the night. Problems remain and are not easy to solve. No progress is possible if the current path is followed. The Wise One consigns much code to the bit bucket, writing gleefully until dawn. The fool creates another patch.
- Line 3 -- The fires are burning in the swamp. Much work has been done, but it leads to great error. Plans must be reexamined to insure progress. Ministers bellow like thunder as deadlines approach. The Wise One plans his weekend ceremonies.
- Line 2 -- The flames leap joyfully towards heaven. After exhausting effort, the Golden Code is found. Ministers run about in panic, assigning blame. The Wise One dreams of inheriting great wealth.
- Line 1 -- There is no fire in the coals. The programmer is caught between the mountain and the great rock. Wheels spin, but the cart does not move. It is advisable to rest, but ministers fan the flames. Great misfortune follows.
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Translator's Notes