Modesty (Qiān)

Judgment

谦：亨，君子有终。

Plain Meaning：Modesty brings success; the superior person carries it through to the end.

Image (Great Commentary)

地中有山，谦；君子以裒多益寡，称物平施。

Line Texts

• 初六谦谦君子，用涉大川，吉。

  A doubly modest one may cross the great water—fortune.

• 六二鸣谦，贞吉。

  Modesty that resounds—steadfast fortune.

• 九三劳谦，君子有终，吉。

  Meritorious yet modest—the superior person ends well; fortune.

• 六四无不利，撝谦。

  Nothing without benefit—modesty applied everywhere.

• 六五不富以其邻，利用侵伐，无不利。

  Not relying on wealth yet aided by neighbors; even campaigns benefit.

• 上六鸣谦，利用行师，征邑国。

  Resounding modesty—it profits to set the army in order.

Symbolism

A mountain within the earth: great worth held with humility.

Life Lesson

True strength held modestly, balancing excess and lack, brings lasting fortune.

Modern Application

The higher you rise, the more humility and fairness sustain support.

Words of Caution

Modesty underlies all fortune; arrogance forfeits it.