The Lines
Bottom. [6] From the very beginning, it is important that a man see
that adversity is an inner struggle, not an outer condition about which he can
do nothing. What is essential is how the man handles it. If his character is
strong, he faces the situation but remains true to himself. He does not let the
problem affect who he is, where he stands, what he aspires to. If his character
is weak, he is crushed by adversity. He withdraws from life and is overcome
with sadness and depression, which only makes his situation worse. This comes
from a mistaken mind set that allows his inner person to be shaped by outward
circumstances. A weak man becomes a looter when civil order breaks down,
whereas a strong man retains the same moral stand no matter what occurs around
him. Similarly, a man must develop a firm inner constitution based on the
principles of rightness, not on an unthinking response to whatever happens to
him. That is what enables him to stand firm in the face of adversity.
2. [9] A man has a sense of ennui. His material existence is
satisfactory, but he is overcome with the drabness and meaninglessness of his
existence. He feels trapped by dull routine, with no way out. But when an
opportunity arises to work with a powerful and influential man, he asks himself
if he is equal to the task? He has lived so long in a dull, boring routine he
is not sure he is capable of the vigorous demands that would be placed upon
him. He can take on these new responsibilities, but it is essential that he
prepare himself mentally and spiritually for the task. He is rusty, and needs
to bring himself up to speed. He can do this by reading materials related to
this new opportunity, brushing up on some of the recent ideas on working with
others, participating in religious and social activities, etc. It would be a
big mistake if he were to accept this move without some preparation beforehand.
His awkwardness and sluggishness would cause him to fumble around and make many
mistakes. But by brushing up on his interpersonal skills, he will do alright.
3. [6] The man is adrift in a sea of difficulties. Nothing
seems to work for him, and he remains frustrated and unhappy. Every attempt he
makes to better his situation only runs into more difficulties, although these
problems could be resolved if he were able to deal with them carefully and
sensibly. But that is not his nature. He attempts things that he should be able
to see are impossible to achieve. He turns to foolish endeavors that could help
no one to succeed and only serve to waste his time and resources. His
pointless, poorly organized efforts mean that he has neglected home and family,
and they are no longer available to comfort him. The result is, his
thoughtlessness and carelessness has brought him to misfortunes that cannot be
avoided. His whole life is a disaster.
4. [9] A man is well-off and wants to be a benefactor of
mankind, but instead of acting forcefully and with careful planning, he dabbles
around and proceeds clumsily, making a mess of things. Naturally, he runs into
all kinds of problems and difficulties. Others who are more adept at such
things than he try to help, and he feels compelled to follow their advice, even
if that leads him in to a new series of problems. In spite of it all, however,
things finally work themselves out. His good intentions and his honest wish to
help other people keep him on track and serve as a guidepost, and surprise of
surprises, he is able to accomplish what he set out to do.
5. [9] A man who is really well-intentioned and wishes to do something to help his fellow man runs into nothing but difficulties. Everyone, whether above him or below him, turns on him and makes life difficult for him. Those in authority who would normally be expected to give him some guidance and assistance do not want to be bothered with him. Nevertheless, the man looks within for his strength and does not give up. He dedicates himself to what he sees as his calling, and remains faithful to his principles. Ever so slowly he is able to make some headway and to accomplish his goals.
Top. [6] The man has
been beset by difficulties for a long time, but those problems are gradually beginning
to lessen, and he could easily break out of his state of despair, if only he
would do so. Nevertheless, he is fearful. He has been spooked by the past. He
looks at all the difficult times he has been through and believes that any
attempt to move forward now will only bring him more of the same. But on this
he is wrong. As soon as he realizes that the situation truly has changed, that
the time of difficulties if now past, and that he is free to move ahead, then
he will be able to take vigorous steps to accomplish his long-sought goals and
to overcome all the difficulties that have for so long weighed him down
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