Hexagram 23: Fooled Again
Image:
A new minister ascends the mountain. He is the same as the old minister.
Judgement:
Ministers come and ministers go, their names quickly forgotten. That is the nature of change and of the emperor's whims. No progress. Despite processions in the aisles, work stubbornly remains in the cubicles. The Wise One nods quietly and picks up his quill again. That is the nature of seeking the Golden Code. Only the fool greets a new day.
Moving Lines:
- Line 6 -- The emperor's favor shifts like the wind. If there is but a small loss of trust, the minister may yet serve him in a lesser position. Brief humiliation, but no blame. If the loss of trust is great, no head.
- Line 5 -- The sage slams his door in anger. Much work will be undone while the new minister stirs the pot. Plans change, goals shift. The programmers tiptoe past his door. Secret admiration, no blame.
- Line 4 -- The new minister parades down the aisles, greeting those who serve him. Messengers follow in his train, ready to write down his commands. There is much pride in his new post. But he must work quickly, lest the next procession pass him by.
- Line 3 -- The Wise One smiles briefly, since parades break up the tedium of the morning. He knows, though, that night only leads to a new night. Parades do not create success. He falls on his knees and appeals to the powers that the servants will not be fooled again.
- Line 2 -- The wise messenger tries to quiet confusion below him. The foolish messenger tries to curry favor from above. When the palace is changing, the foundation must remain firm. It furthers the mountain to resist the shifting winds.
- Line 1 -- The servants line up for the parade like sheep. Memory is short, ignorance deep. Discernment dispells great problems. Only the fool greets the dark and calls it light.
Links:
Translator's Notes