Judgment

Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; the young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers.

Hexagram Meng represents the nascent state of consciousness emerging from obscurity, akin to a mountain shrouded in mist. It speaks to the profound dialectic between ignorance and enlightenment, framing learning not as a mere transfer of data, but as a spiritual awakening. The text asserts that wisdom does not pursue the unwary; rather, the student must actively seek the teacher. This establishes a fundamental law of growth: insight cannot be imposed—it must be invited through genuine necessity and humility.

The "first oracle" symbolizes the clarity that arrives when the question is pure and focused. However, the warning against repeated, importunate questioning is crucial. To ask again without having absorbed the initial answer is not curiosity, but a lack of respect for the process of understanding. It treats wisdom as a commodity to be consumed rather than a discipline to be embodied. Thus, Meng teaches that the path to clarity requires sincere, focused intent. Perseverance furthers this journey, for it is only through disciplined contemplation and reverence for the unknown that we dispel the fog of confusion and attain true vision.

Structure

Six at the beginning

To make a fool develop, it furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation.

Nine in the second place

To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take the women brings good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household.

Six in the third place

You must not take a woman who, when she sees a man of gold, loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers.

Six in the fourth place

Entangled folly. Humiliation.

Six in the fifth place

Childlike folly brings good fortune.

Nine at the top

In punishing folly, it does not further one to commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers is to prevent transgressions.