I Ching Quotes

A collection of quotes by I Ching.

I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text and one of the oldest existing books in the world. Its origins are believed to date back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BCE), making it over 3,000 years old.

The exact authorship of the I Ching is uncertain, and some scholars believe it to be a compilation of wisdom from various sources, including the legendary Chinese sage, Fu Xi. The book is traditionally attributed to King Wen of Zhou and his son, the Duke of Zhou.

I Ching consists of a set of symbols called hexagrams, formed by stacking solid and broken lines, representing yin and yang respectively. Each hexagram signifies a particular state or condition in the world and contains rich philosophical and divinatory meanings.

The central concept in I Ching is that everything in the universe is constantly changing and evolving. The book provides guidance on how to navigate these changes, offering insights into the nature of existence, human behavior, and relationships. It is highly regarded as a philosophical and moral guide, influencing various areas including Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese culture as a whole.

Even in modern times, I Ching continues to be studied and used as a tool for divination, self-reflection, and decision-making. Its enduring popularity testifies to its profound wisdom and enduring relevance in understanding the complexities of life.

Everything proceeds as if of its own accord, and this can al

Everything proceeds as if of its own accord, and this can all too easily tempt us to relax and let things take their course without troubling over details. Such indifference is the root of all evil.

I Ching

Apathy

Before a thunderstorm there is a build-up of tension which i

Before a thunderstorm there is a build-up of tension which is only relieved by the explosive force of thunder and lightning. In human affairs there must be a clear distinction between the penalties for small and great crimes. Retribution for wrongdoing must be swiftly and surely applied if greater problems are to be prevented.

I Ching

Crime

One should act in consonance with the way of heaven and eart

One should act in consonance with the way of heaven and earth, which is enduring and eternal. The superior man perseveres long in his course, adapts to the times, but remains firm in his direction and correct in his goals.

I Ching

Persistence

Great effort is required to arrest decay and restore vigor.

Great effort is required to arrest decay and restore vigor. One must exercise proper deliberation, plan carefully before making a move, and be alert in guarding against relapse following a renaissance.

I Ching

Advice

Creativity comes from awakening and directing men's higher n

Creativity comes from awakening and directing men's higher natures, which originate in the primal depths of the uni- verse and are appointed by Heaven.

I Ching

Creativity

Change is certain. Peace is followed by disturbances; depart

Change is certain. Peace is followed by disturbances; departure of evil men by their return. Such recurrences should not constitute occasions for sadness but realities for awareness, so that one may be happy in the interim.

I Ching

Change

The responses of human beings vary greatly under dangerous c

The responses of human beings vary greatly under dangerous circumstances. The strong man advances boldly to meet them head on. The weak man grows agitated. But the superior man stands up to fate, endures resolutely in his inner certainty If ignorant both

I Ching

Danger

He who possesses the source of enthusiasm will achieve great

He who possesses the source of enthusiasm will achieve great things. Doubt not. You will gather friends around you as a hair clasp gathers the hair.

I Ching

Enthusiasm

A person in danger should not try to escape at one stroke. H

A person in danger should not try to escape at one stroke. He should first calmly hold his own, then be satisfied with small gains, which will come by creative adaptations.

I Ching

Danger

The quiet and solitary man apprehends the inscrutable. He se

The quiet and solitary man apprehends the inscrutable. He seeks nothing, holds to the mean, and remains free from entanglements.

I Ching

Integrity