15. Ch'ien Modesty Above; K'un the Receptive earth Below; Ken Keeping Still mountain
|
21st Century |
Comparisons |
| Moderation in all things. Selfless
love can create a hell. Balance is best. Recipricocity underpins the order
of the universe. If the exchange is not equal but the intention is then the tendency will be to balance and bad outcomes can be minimised. Today's disaster is tomorrows opportunity.
Greatness is found in the modest. A braggart cannot earn loyalty. Simple, direct action is always preferable to drawn out devious contention. Fault cannot be found with a modest person. Impersonal judgements must be made on occasion. But first these judgements must be directed at yourself. Only when you have honestly attended to your own faults can you turn to the faults of others. This done the urge to criticise will abate. Marshall yourself, for the game is not played out till the end gambit is completed. This is the time of the greatest danger. |
Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) the superior man who adds humility to humility. (Even) the great stream may be crossed with this, and there will be good fortune.
b) A superior man modest about his modesty May cross the great water. Good fortune.
c) Modesty upon modesty. Auspicious. You may cross the great water.
d) Increase humilities: so clears thy way;
a) humility that has made itself recognised. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
b) Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.
c) Modesty apparent. Auspicious if you keep to your course.
d) Once recognised, who is there to gainsay?
a) the superior man of (acknowledged) merit. He will maintain his success to the end, and have good fortune.
b) A superior man of modesty and merit Carries things to conclusion. Good fortune.
c) Modesty acknowledge. Auspicious. Continued success.
d) Acknowledged merit will success inherit.
a) one, whose action would be in every way advantageous, stirring up (the more) his humility.
b) Nothing that would not further modesty In movement.
c) Active modesty. Improvement.
d) Grow thou more truly humble every day.
a) one who, without being rich, is able to employ his neighbours. He may advantageously use the force of arms. All his movements will be advantageous.
b) No boasting of wealth before one's neighbour. It is favourable to attack with force. Nothing that would not further.
c) Modesty bringing influence. His neighbour supports him. be aggressive. Improvement whatever you do.
d) Thus all thy neighbours in thy cause array.
a) humility that has made itself recognised. The subject of it will with advantage put his hosts in motion; (but he will only) punish his own towns and state.
b) Modesty that comes to expression. It is favourable to set armies marching To chastise one's own city and one's country.
c) Modesty bringing modesty. Improvement whatever you do, even if it seems against your best interests.
d) Use force - but only on thy proper prey