49. Ko; Revolution Above; Tui the Joyous lake Below; Li the Clinging fire
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21st Century |
Comparisons |
| The very essence of revolution is abrupt change. It is ill
advised and only recommended in the direst of circumstances. A revolution
is only safe in the hands of the selfless. What leaders are selfless?
Q.E.D.
Fundamentally a do or die posture cannot be undertaken unless all other positions have been exhausted in trying to resolve whatever differences there are. Change cannot be initiated until everything else has been done. But if that time comes then, as Sun Tzu advises, move quickly, without hesitation, in a single motion. Go out and meet the need for change. But before committing to a move you must assess it three times, to be sure that it is not an enthusiasm or a passing grievance. Change rules all. The circumstances themselves requiring a revolution change. Would Russia have been improved if Czarism had been permitted to evolve to a state of constitutional monarchism, with the Duma leavening the Czar's hand. Or if China's Cultural Revolution had never happened? Would that have been the disaster the Cultural Revolution proved to be? There is plenty in history to suggest that a revolution rarely works, or fixes anything. A revolution led by someone responsible has clear cut guidelines that all can understand. So that what is past isn't swept away in a chaotic wave which permits the same brutal causes for the revolution to reassert themselves. Success will come with small changes amounting to a large one, but done with the steadiness exhibited by the best camouflages. When the minutiae of the change being proposed are understood it will come with the ease and efficacy of a large cat in the night, invisible but potent and real. |
Line 1 |
Below are the comparative interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) (as if he were) bound with the skin of a yellow ox.
b) Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow.
c) He is bound with yellow ox hide.
d) At first, thou art bound with strips of yellow hide;
a) making his changes after some time has passed. Action taken will be fortunate. There will be no error.
b) When one's day comes, one may create revolution. Starting brings good fortune. No blame.
c) In his own time he makes a radical change. Auspicious if you take action. No mistakes.
d) Wait then a little, time's a friend to thee.
a) action taken by its subject will be evil. Though he be firm and correct, his position is perilous. If the change ( he contemplates) have been three times fully discussed, he will be believed in.
b) Starting brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times, One may commit himself, And men will believe him.
c) When the changes he contemplates have been fully deliberated three times he will be trusted. Ominous if you take action. Peril if you keep to your course.
d) Haste may wreck all; discuss thy plans untried.
a) occasion for repentance disappearing (from its subject). Let him be believed in; and though he change (existing) ordinances, there will, be good fortune.
b) Remorse disappears. Men believe him. Changing the form of government brings good fortune.
c) Guilt disappears. You are trusted. Auspicious if you challenge present institutions.
d) First gain men's confidence, then - saddle and ride!
a) the great man (producing his changes) as the tiger (does when he) changes (his stripes). Before he divines (and proceeds to action), faith has been reposed in him.
b) The great man changes like a tiger. Even before he questions the the oracle He is believed.
c) He changes boldly as the tiger changes his stripes. He is trusted before he consults the oracle.
d) Swift as a tiger - with the Yi for guide!
a) the superior man producing his changes as the leopard (does when he) changes (his spots), while small men change their faces (and show obedience). To go forward (now) would lead to evil, but there will be good fortune in abiding firm and correct.
b) The superior man changes like a panther. The inferior man molts in the face. Starting brings misfortune. To remain persevering brings good fortune.
c) He changes subtly like the leopard changes his spots. Smaller men change their faces to show obedience. Ominous if you advance. Auspicious if you keep to your course.
d) Confirm thy change with firm sincerity!