39. Obstruction
The Lines
Bottom. [6] When a man first encounters an obstruction, it
is foolish to move ahead without regarding it carefully. He should back off,
carefully assess the problem, compare his resources, and wait until the time is
favorable for moving ahead. Thoughtlessly moving ahead can only make matters
worse. This is not a time for brazen action, but for thoughtful planning.
2. [6] There is one situation when it is entirely proper for
a man to force his way ahead in spite of obstacles, and that is when he is doing
it in service to, or at the command of, someone in a position of authority. In
such a case, he does not have the option to do what is best for himself, but is
obliged to go forward regardless of the outcome. Since he is not acting on his
own behalf, he cannot be accused of acting foolishly.
3. [9] A man in a leadership position must think of others
before putting himself in the way of danger. His responsibility to his own
people requires him to think about the effect his actions will have on those
who are dependent upon him. And if he backs away from danger, he will be
showing consideration to those who need him, and their happiness will be his
reward.
4. [6] A man thinks he has sufficient resources to move
ahead through the obstructions, but he is mistaken. Were he to do so anyway, he
would get into a bad situation, realize too late that he has miscalculated, and
then not be able to extricate himself. But if he instead withdraws and waits
until he is able to unite with others who can give him some assistance, if he
accumulates more resources, and if he makes better plans, he will be able to
overcome the difficulties and move on to success.
5. [9] In a desperate struggle, when the obstructions cannot
be avoided and the man must move ahead regardless, he realizes that he cannot
let any amount of danger stop him. The mission is too important. His
determination and sense of mission will encourage others who will join with
him, and together, under his leadership and with careful planning, the problems
will be overcome and success will follow.
Top. [6] When a sage has abandoned the world and all its
cares, he is disinclined to become involved with a difficult situation that he
is presented with. The easy path for him is to remain apart and perfect his own
character -- to let the world go on in its endless encounter with difficulties,
and for him to seek higher things. But he cannot. A sense of obligation calls
him back, because only he can do what needs to be done. Only he has the skills,
the knowledge, the experience, and the wisdom to do the job correctly. If he
returns to the struggle, he will be able to produce something lasting and
substantial -- something really great -- that will benefit many people.
Therefore, it is a wise move for the people to approach this great man and seek
his help in overcoming the obstructions
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