The I Ching teaches three mistakes people must avoid in pursuing positions that don’t match their abilities. These mistakes prevent people from living fulfilling lives free from self-inflicted misfortune. Below are stories that highlight these three avoidances.
One who possesses limited virtue, but enjoys a leadership position
The ancients said, “When virtue does not match one’s position, disasters will occur. If a man of low moral character is in a high position, then disasters will inevitably follow.” Such is the story of a King who chooses an unkind son to become his successor.
The King of Jin wanted to choose a son to be his successor. He liked his son, Zhi Yao, who was tall, skilled in riding and shooting, bold and resolute, and an eloquent speaker. Yao, however, did not possess a kind and generous enough nature. The King’s Ministers said that if Zhi Yao were to become his heir, they would be in great trouble.
The King refused to listen to them and passed the throne to Yao. After his father’s death, Zhi Yao came to power, and as predicted, he was unkind to the people and treated the scholars harshly. He went so far as to offend the rulers of other states. In the end, he was defeated by Han, Zhao, and Wei. Not only was he killed, but his family was also destroyed. Such experiences have brought to life the truth of the I Ching teaching: “If one’s virtue does not match the position, disasters will arise.”
The I Ching states: “Virtue carries the load.” A gentleman’s virtue should be as thick as the earth so that he can bear heavy responsibilities. The higher the position, the more your character is tested. Only when a person in a high position has good character can he convince everyone to do their jobs well. If a person’s character is not good enough, yet he serves in a very high position, then not only does his position become unstable, but it will also bring disaster to him and those around him.
A person of low intelligence who has high ambitions makes many mistakes
If you want to gain or achieve something, you must have the wisdom to match your ambitions. Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing has a principle that he will not invest in an unfamiliar field. Many people feel that he has missed out on many opportunities. But Li Ka-shing is uncompromising and not sorry for missing out on many opportunities. He states it’s not easy to do well within one’s means and too risky to go into areas one doesn’t understand. Despite his conservative philosophy, he has become likened to an “evergreen tree” in business.
People need to understand themselves. If you don’t know something, don’t pretend to know it; if you can’t control something, don’t interfere with it. Life is stable only when one’s ambition matches one’s wisdom.
A person of poor ability is laden with heavy responsibilities
Zhuangzi once told a story: When Duke Zhuang of Qi was out hunting, he saw a mantis blocking the front of the carriage, raising its feet and preparing to fight with the wheels. The carriage driver said: “Many people are like this insect: It starts to fight with others without evaluating its ability.”
Later generations have used the story of “A Mantis blocking a Chariot” as a metaphor to describe a person who lacks self-awareness. Some people fight against others without realizing they are not strong enough and break their backs.
As the old saying goes: “Take the bowl as big as your hand.” If you hold a big bowl with a small hand, you will be exhausted, and it is easier to drop the bowl. You should do everything according to your best physical ability and make your dreams and wishes match your current predestined circumstances. When facing a situation beyond your current strength and ability, keeping a low profile and biding your time in silence is best. Acting rashly will only harm yourself and ruin the opportunity to succeed.
The most challenging thing in life is to know your strengths and weaknesses and to work correctly within your means. Life is like a white horse that can swiftly pass you by.
Realizing your capabilities and strengths and working toward achieving them will lead to a less stressful, fulfilling, and comfortable life, which is the greatest blessing in life.
Translated by Audrey Wang and edited by Maria
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