Hexagram 04
MêngYouthful Folly
Mountain (Gen) · Water (Kan)
The image
A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image Of YOUTH. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does.
This hexagram in one line
In this hexagram we are reminded of youth and folly in two different ways. The image of the upper trigram, Kên, is the mountain, that of the lower, K'an, is water; the spring rising at the foot of the mountain is the image of inexperienced youth. Keeping still is the attribute of the upper trigram; that of the lower is the abyss, danger. Stopping in perplexity on the brink of a dangerous abyss is a symbol of the folly of youth. However, the two trigrams also show the way of overcoming the follies of youth. Water is something that of necessity flows on. When the spring gushes forth, it does not know at first where it will go. But its steady flow fills up the deep place blocking its progress, and success is attained.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Mountain has springs beneath it
Hexagram Judgment
YOUTHFUL FOLLY has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers.
In the time of youth, folly is not an evil. One may succeed in spite of it, provided one finds an experienced teacher and has the right attitude toward him. This means, first of all, that the youth himself must be conscious of his lack of experience and must seek out the teacher. Without this modesty and this interest there is no guarantee that he has the necessary receptivity, which should express itself in respectful acceptance of the teacher. This is the reason why the teacher must wait to be sought out instead of offering himself. Only thus can the instruction take place at the right time and in the right way. A teacher's answer to the question of a pupil ought to be clear and definite like that expected from an oracle; thereupon it ought to be accepted as a key for resolution of doubts and a basis for decision. If mistrustful or unintelligent questioning is kept up, it serves only to annoy the teacher. He does well to ignore it in silence, just as the oracle gives one answer only and refuses to be tempted by questions implying doubt. Given in addition a perseverance that never slackens until the points are mastered one by one, real success is sure to follow. Thus the hexagram counsels the teacher as well as the pupil.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
- Water (Kan)
- Water · Abysmal
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Youthful Folly: beneath the mountain there is danger, and one halts before danger. This is Youthful Folly. Youthful Folly succeeds because one proceeds in due measure and with balance. 'It is not I who seek the young fool; the young fool seeks me' because their wills correspond. 'At the first consultation, I inform him' because firmness and balance are present. 'If he asks two or three times, it is importunity; if he importunes, I do not inform him' because that insults the way of instruction. To nourish uprightness through enlightenment is the work of sages.
This hexagram speaks of ignorance at the beginning of learning: danger lies below, so one must stop and seek guidance. It is a time for teaching, discipline, and forming upright character. When teacher and student meet sincerely, enlightenment becomes possible.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image Of YOUTH. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does.
A spring succeeds in flowing on and escapes stagnation by filling up all the hollow places in its path. In the same way character is developed by thoroughness that skips nothing but, like water, gradually and steadily fills up all gaps and so flows onward.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram CareerHexagram 4 (Youthful Folly) in Career: I Ching Guidance for Work and Professional LifeWhat does Hexagram 4 (Youthful Folly) mean for your career? In the time of youth, folly is not an evil. One may succeed in spite of it, provided one finds an experienced teacher and has the right attitude toward him. Thi... Learn how the I Ching guides professional decisions, leadership, timing, and workplace dynamics.
- Hexagram StudyHexagram 4 (Youthful Folly) in Study: I Ching Guidance for Learning and GrowthWhat does Hexagram 4 (Youthful Folly) teach about study and learning? In the time of youth, folly is not an evil. One may succeed in spite of it, provided one finds an experienced teacher and has the right attitude toward him. Thi... See how the I Ching guides intellectual growth, skill development, and the discipline of deepening knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
What does Mêng / Youthful Folly mean in the I Ching?
In the time of youth, folly is not an evil. One may succeed in spite of it, provided one finds an experienced teacher and has the right attitude toward him. Thi...
How should I study Hexagram 4 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. Law is the beginning of education. Youth in its inexperience is inclined at first to take everything carelessly and playfully. It must be shown the seriousness of life. A certain m...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
This hexagram speaks of ignorance at the beginning of learning: danger lies below, so one must stop and seek guidance. It is a time for teaching, discipline, and forming upright character. When teacher and student meet s...
Test this hexagram against your question
A hexagram page is useful for study, but a real reading starts from your situation. Choose a question and cast directly.
Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.