The Lines
Bottom. [6] The superior man encourages associates to retire
from the fray as he does. Such a withdrawal at this time promises the
opportunity for personal growth and development and for regrouping at a later,
more propitious time, whereas continuing with an active struggle in a time when
one can have little or no influence will only result in embarrassing waste and
failure. It is of much greater importance at such times to preserve one's
integrity.
2. [6] There is no doubt that inferior people would welcome
the superior man if he would join with them and provide much needed help. But
he declines to participate, since he knows that there are no real gains to be
made, and his participation would only produce embarrassing failure. Inferior people
are always searching for something, even if they have insufficient depth to
recognize and follow a rightful path. But a superior man recognizes that it is
more important for him to maintain his integrity than to assist people who
cannot be helped, no matter how much they desire it.
3. [6] Inferior people who occupy leadership positions
undeservedly begin to recognize the tenuousness of their position and the
vacuity of their philosophy. They are embarrassed by their own lack of ability,
even if they are unwilling to acknowledge it openly. This, at least, is a mark
of some progress.
4. [9] The time of inactivity draws to a close. A man who
assumes a leadership role on his own authority cannot fulfill the needs of the
time. His efforts will likely end in failure. But a man who feels with
certainty that his taking a leadership role is in accord with the will of
Heaven and with the forces of Fate will be able to find a rightful path and
will be a benefit to those who accept his leadership.
5. [9] The time of inactivity is over. The superior man
returns to a position of great influence, but he avoids over-confidence. He
does not rely on assumptions of his own powers, hence he is always aware that
he may be inadequate for the task. He questions his every action and recognizes
fully what would happen if things go wrong. He does this in order to be certain
that what he does is correct and will succeed. By remaining so cautious,
however, he is able to succeed.
Top. [9] Although the time of inactivity is over, it does
not end without the active contribution of the superior man. Things do not
bring order to themselves; someone must furnish the energy and the direction
while keeping the goal in mind in order to lift things to a state of order.
Therefore, the superior man overcomes the stagnation
through deliberate acts, carefully planned and executed.
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