Hexagram 17, Line 2
Following (随)
六二
The Line Text
六二，係小子，失丈夫。
Six in the second place: If one is tied to the little boy, one loses the strong man.
The Commentary says: By being tied to the little boy, one cannot associate with both.
Interpretation
This line presents a clear and crucial choice. The "little boy" represents immature influences, short-term temptations, familiar but limiting habits, or associations that offer immediate comfort but no lasting value. The "strong man" symbolizes a worthy goal, a wise mentor, a correct principle, or a mature partnership that promises long-term growth and success. The line's central message is that you cannot have both. Proximity and ease make the "little boy" appealing, but clinging to this lesser connection will inevitably cause you to lose the opportunity for the greater one. The "strong man" is the proper and more beneficial path, but it may seem more distant or require more effort to pursue. This is a moment of decision, where loyalty to a lower ideal prevents the attainment of a higher one. A conscious choice must be made in favor of long-term benefit over short-term gratification.
Guidance for Action
You are at a crossroads and must be discerning about your allegiances. Examine your current attachments, whether to people, ideas, or situations. Are you clinging to something comfortable and familiar simply because it's easy, even though you know it's holding you back? It is time to let go of minor, distracting, or immature influences to make space for something more substantial and beneficial. Do not try to maintain both connections; the commentary explicitly states this is impossible. You must make a clean break from the "little boy" to be free to follow the "strong man." Choose the path of maturity, integrity, and long-term vision, even if it feels more challenging at first.
For Love & Relationships
In matters of the heart, this line points to a conflict of loyalties. You may be involved in or tempted by a relationship that is fun and easy but lacks depth and a real future (the "little boy"). Meanwhile, a more serious, stable, and mature partnership (the "strong man") may be a possibility, or is the standard you should be seeking. Clinging to a casual, immature, or dead-end affair will prevent you from being available for, or even recognizing, a truly worthy partner. This can also refer to choosing between a partner and a group of immature friends or old habits that are incompatible with a committed relationship. You must decide what you truly want for your future and release what no longer serves that vision.
For Career & Business
This line warns against getting entangled in petty office politics, following popular but misguided trends, or sticking with a comfortable but dead-end job. These are the "little boys" of the professional world. By doing so, you risk losing the respect of competent leaders, missing out on a challenging project with real growth potential, or forfeiting a chance at a much better position (the "strong man"). You must choose your professional associations wisely. Align yourself with competence, integrity, and long-term strategy, rather than with easy shortcuts, gossip, or short-sighted gains. A difficult choice may be necessary, such as leaving a comfortable team for a more demanding but rewarding role.
For Financial Matters
This line is a strong caution against "get-rich-quick" schemes, speculative fads, or listening to financial advice from unqualified friends (the "little boy"). These paths may promise easy money but almost always lead to loss. The "strong man" represents a sound, disciplined financial strategy: patient investing, seeking counsel from accredited experts, and focusing on long-term, sustainable growth. By chasing frivolous, high-risk ventures, you lose the capital, discipline, and opportunity to build genuine, lasting wealth. You cannot be both a reckless gambler and a prudent investor. Choose the path of financial maturity and diligence.
