15 謙 Modesty
Judgement
Modesty opens roads. Someone who knows how to stay in their place, without boasting of their worth, moves forward with less resistance and brings things to a good end. This is not false humility or thinking little of yourself: it is not needing to be seen in order to know what you do. There is progress here, precisely because you do not display it. Ask yourself what gets easier when you stop proving yourself.
Image
A mountain inside the earth: something great that stays under the surface. This is the image of the lofty that does not show itself. Whoever lives this way takes away what is in excess and fills in what is lacking, seeking balance between themselves and others. It is a practical outlook: check whether you have gone too far to one side, correct it and treat everyone, yourself included, by the same measure.
Lines
Line 1
You are modest and, on top of that, you are so again: humility upon humility. With that attitude you can even cross the great river, that is, take on something risky. It tends to go well. If you hesitate before a big challenge, ask yourself whether what holds you back is lack of ability or fear of looking bad.
Line 2
Your humility has already made itself known: others recognize it. If you stay firm and upright, it tends to go well. You do not need to seek it or explain it: sustained simplicity ends up being seen. Ask yourself how those who know you well treat you; that says more about you than what you tell.
Line 3
You have merits and you carry them simply. You keep what you achieved to the end, and that is a good sign. It is hard not to swell up when something goes well. Someone who works hard and does not strut earns the trust of others. Ask yourself how you carry what you have achieved.
Line 4
Everything you do suits you, and still you keep stirring up your humility: you do not let success carry you away. Here modesty is movement: you look again at what you have done and ask what is missing before you consider anything finished.
Line 5
You are not rich, but you can count on your neighbors: they come close without your having to impose yourself. If needed, you can even use force, and there is an advantage in whatever you do. Someone who does not boast of resources is not hated. Ask yourself whether what you get from others comes from affection or from power.
Line 6
Your humility has already made itself known and you can set your people in motion. But only to correct what is yours: you punish your own cities and your own state, not others. If you have to be firm, start with what depends on you.
Reflection
- What do you feel you must prove that you do not really need to prove?
- How do you carry what you have achieved, and whom do you owe it to?
- Which part of what is yours should you correct before asking anything of others?