Hexagram 43: The Breakthrough (Resoluteness)

Line 1

Mighty in the forward-striding toes. If one goes forward and is not equal to the task, one makes a mistake. In times of resolute advance, the very beginning is particularly difficult. One feels enthusiastic about pressing forward resolutely. But the resistance is still very strong. It is therefore necessary to measure one's strength and venture only so far as one is certain of success. Blind recklessness is harmful, for right at the outset an unexpected setback can entail the most disastrous consequences.

Line 2

A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and night. Fear nothing. Readiness is everything. Resoluteness is inseparably bound to caution. If one is careful and circumspect, there is no need to be frightened or agitated. If one remains vigilant at all times while no danger is yet present, one is armed when danger draws near and need not fear. The superior man is on guard against what is not yet visible, and anxious regarding what is not yet heard; therefore he dwells amid difficulties as though they were none. When one cultivates one's character, men yield of their own accord. If reason prevails, the passions retreat spontaneously. To be circumspect and not forget one's armor—that is the proper path to security.

Line 3

To be mighty in the cheekbones brings misfortune. The superior man is firmly resolved. He walks alone and encounters rain. He is bespattered, and men murmur against him. No blame. The situation in which one finds oneself is ambiguous. While everyone is engaged in resolute struggle against the base, one stands alone in a certain relationship with an inferior man. If one were now to display outward strength and turn against him before conditions are ripe, one would merely imperil the entire situation; for the inferior man would then resort to countermeasures prematurely. The task of the superior man here is exceedingly difficult. He must be inwardly resolute, and while associating with the inferior man, nevertheless keep clear of any participation in his baseness. In doing so, he is naturally misunderstood. People think he belongs to the party of the base man. He is utterly solitary, because no one understands him. His relationship with the inferior man sullies him in the eyes of the crowd, and they murmur against him. But he endures being misunderstood and makes no mistake, since he remains true to himself.

Line 4

There is no skin on the thighs, and walking comes hard. If one allowed oneself to be led like a sheep, remorse would disappear. But if one hears these words, one will not believe them. One suffers from inner unrest, unable to hold one's ground. One wishes to press forward at all costs, yet encounters insurmountable obstacles. Thus one is in inner conflict with one's situation. This stems from the stubbornness with which one seeks to enforce one's will. Were one to relinquish this obstinacy, all would go well. But this counsel, like so much good advice, will go unheeded. For obstinacy causes one to have ears, yet not hear.

Line 6

No cry! In the end misfortune comes. Victory seems to have been won. Only a remnant of the evil remains, whose resolute eradication is now at hand. Everything appears quite easy. Yet precisely therein lies the danger. If one is not on guard, evil succeeds in slipping away through concealment; and once it has escaped, fresh disaster arises from the remaining seeds, for evil does not die easily. In the evil of one's own character, too, one must do thorough work. If through negligence one were to leave anything behind, fresh evil would spring from it.