Hexagram 4, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the culmination of dealing with ignorance. The folly is persistent and must now be met with firm, corrective action—a "strike." However, the I Ching offers a crucial warning about the nature of this correction. The line advises against becoming an aggressor (`為寇` - wéi kòu), which implies punishing out of anger, frustration, or a desire to dominate. Such action would only create resentment and further rebellion. Instead, the correct approach is to act in defense (`禦寇` - yù kòu). This means defending established principles, protecting order, and setting firm boundaries. The discipline is not an attack on the person but a defense against the destructive influence of their folly. As the commentary explains, this defensive and principled approach restores the proper relationship between the teacher and the student (or the authority and the subordinate), bringing harmony and order (`上下順也`) to the situation. It is the action of a wise but stern teacher who punishes not for retribution, but for education and the restoration of a healthy system.

Guidance for Action

You are in a position of authority or possess the clarity to see a persistent problem that must be addressed. The time for gentle persuasion is over; firm action is required. However, you must be extremely careful with your motives and methods. Do not act out of personal anger, ego, or a desire to make someone "pay." This will backfire. Instead, frame your actions as a defense of what is right, proper, and necessary for the good of the whole. Set clear, unshakeable boundaries. Administer consequences calmly and fairly, as a means of protecting established rules or values. Your goal is not to crush the "fool" but to correct the "folly" and thereby restore order and allow for genuine learning to begin.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line points to a serious and recurring issue that can no longer be tolerated. One partner's "folly"—be it immaturity, irresponsibility, disrespect, or a destructive habit—is threatening the health of the relationship itself. A "strike" is necessary, meaning a direct and serious confrontation. However, the guidance is critical: do not attack your partner with blame, rage, and accusations ("being the aggressor"). This will only escalate the conflict. Instead, you must "defend against aggression" by defending the relationship's integrity. State your boundaries clearly and the consequences if they are crossed. For example: "I love you, but I will not tolerate this behavior any longer. For our relationship to survive, this must change." The focus is on protecting the shared good, not punishing the individual.

For Career & Business

This line often appears when a manager or team leader must deal with a consistently underperforming or disruptive employee. The "folly" is harming the team's morale and productivity. A "strike" is needed, which could take the form of a formal warning, a performance improvement plan, or even dismissal. The advice is to avoid making it personal or acting out of frustration ("being the aggressor"). The action must be framed as a defense of company policy, team standards, and overall productivity ("defending against aggression"). Follow established procedures, document everything, and keep the focus on the objective impact of the behavior. This ensures the action is seen as just and necessary, preserving order and respect within the team.

For Financial Matters

Financially, this line indicates the need for decisive, disciplinary action against poor financial habits, either your own or those of someone you are responsible for. The "folly" of overspending, reckless speculation, or ignoring debt must be "struck." The wrong way is to panic, sell assets impulsively, or impose draconian measures born of fear ("being the aggressor"). The right way is to "defend" your financial security. This means creating a strict and binding budget, setting up an automatic and aggressive debt-repayment plan, and cutting off access to easy, irresponsible credit. You are defending your future solvency from the "bandit" of financial ignorance. It is a necessary, protective discipline to restore order to your finances.