Hexagram 40 Line 3: 六三

Classical Chinese Text

六三 負且乘。致寇至。貞吝。

負且乘。致寇至

Wilhelm Translation

If a man carries a burden on his back And nonetheless rides in a carriage, He thereby encourages robbers to draw near. Perseverance leads to humiliation.

Commentary

Carrying a burden on your back while riding in a carriage—you encourage robbers to approach. Persistence leads to humiliation. Rising from need into comfort, you affect an ease that doesn't suit your true nature. This carelessness invites attack. The common person who pretends to be lordly invites theft; the arrogant attract enemies from all directions.