If you are sincere, you have success in your heart,
And whatever you do succeeds.
—I Ching
Instead of solid accomplishments, the man pursues pleasures and self-gratification. He will never achieve anything so long as he is surrounded by dissipating temptations.
—I Ching
Topics: Accomplishment
Before a thunderstorm there is a build-up of tension which is only relieved by the explosive force of thunder and lightning. In human affairs there must be a clear distinction between the penalties for small and great crimes. Retribution for wrongdoing must be swiftly and surely applied if greater problems are to be prevented.
—I Ching
Topics: Crime
Heaven and water go their opposite ways:
The image of CONFLICT.
Thus in all his transactions the superior man
Carefully considers the beginning.
—I Ching
Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which permeates all heaven.
—I Ching
The great man, by perpetuating this brightness,
Illumines the four quarters of the world.
—I Ching
He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified,
Has good fortune.
—I Ching
It is not I who seek the young fool;
The young fool seeks me.
—I Ching
A person in danger should not try to escape at one stroke. He should first calmly hold his own, then be satisfied with small gains, which will come by creative adaptations.
—I Ching
Waiting is not mere empty hoping. It has the inner certainty of reaching the goal.
—I Ching
Topics: Difficulty
The superior man encourages the people at their work,
And exhorts them to help one another.
—I Ching
Before the beginning of great brilliance, there must be chaos. Before a brilliant person begins something great, they must look foolish in the crowd.
—I Ching
No plain not followed by a slope. No going not followed by a return. He who remains persevering in danger is without blame. Do not complain about this truth; Enjoy the good fortune you still possess.
—I Ching
It is unlucky to sound off about happiness.
—I Ching
Those above can ensure their position
Only by giving generously to those below.
—I Ching
One should act in consonance with the way of heaven and earth, which is enduring and eternal. The superior man perseveres long in his course, adapts to the times, but remains firm in his direction and correct in his goals.
—I Ching
Topics: Perseverance, Persistence
On average, an infant laughs nearly two hundred times a day; an adult, only twelve. Maybe they are laughing so much because they are looking at us. To be able to preserve joyousness of heart and yet to be concerned in thought: in this way we can determine good fortune and misfortune on earth, and bring to perfection everything on earth.
—I Ching
To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance.
—I Ching
The superior man falls back upon his inner worth
In order to escape the difficulties.
He does not permit himself to be honored with revenue.
—I Ching
The wind blows over the earth:
The image of CONTEMPLATION.
Thus the kings of old visited the regions of the world,
Contemplated the people,
And gave them instruction.
—I Ching
To go one’s way with sincerity brings clarity.
—I Ching
Thus the superior man:
If he sees good, he imitates it;
If he has faults, he rids himself of them.
—I Ching
When tempers flare up in the family,
Too great severity brings remorse.
—I Ching
All day long the superior man is creatively active.
—I Ching
The creative knows the great beginnings. The Receptive completes the finished things.
—I Ching
Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.
—I Ching
He who possesses the source of Enthusiasm
Will achieve great things.
Doubt not. You will gather friends around you
As a hair clasp gathers the hair.
—I Ching
Topics: Accomplishment, Enthusiasm
Creativity comes from awakening and directing men’s higher natures, which originate in the primal depths of the universe and are appointed by Heaven.
—I Ching
Topics: Creativity
An army must set forth in proper order.
If the order is not good, misfortune threatens.
—I Ching
No boasting of wealth before one’s neighbor.
—I Ching
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Confucius Chinese Philosopher
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