Youthful Folly (Méng)

Judgment

蒙：亨。匪我求童蒙，童蒙求我。初筮告，再三渎，渎则不告。利贞。

Plain Meaning：Folly can be enlightened: the pupil seeks the teacher. Answer the first sincere query; repeated pestering profanes it.

Image (Great Commentary)

山下出泉，蒙；君子以果行育德。

Line Texts

• 初六发蒙，利用刑人，用说桎梏，以往吝。

  To dispel folly, set firm rules at first; indulgence brings regret.

• 九二包蒙吉，纳妇吉，子克家。

  Tolerating the ignorant brings fortune; the son can manage the household.

• 六三勿用取女，见金夫，不有躬，无攸利。

  Do not take this woman who loses herself at the sight of wealth—no benefit.

• 六四困蒙，吝。

  Trapped in folly without seeking help—regret.

• 六五童蒙，吉。

  Childlike openness to learning—good fortune.

• 上九击蒙，不利为寇，利御寇。

  Strike at folly—not to oppress, but to defend against harm.

Symbolism

A spring at the foot of a mountain: enlightenment and education.

Life Lesson

Learn humbly; teach with both firmness and care.

Modern Application

Learning and mentoring: set standards and open minds; avoid indulgence.

Words of Caution

Profane the guidance and it is withdrawn.