The Art of Reform and Restoration
Hexagram 18 (Ku/Work on What Has Been Spoiled) confronts us with a difficult reality: things have fallen into decay. Whether it is a corrupt government, a neglected family business, or a bad habit, "Ku" represents the accumulation of past errors that now demand a solution.
But decay is not the end; it is a call to action. This hexagram is a manual for the reformer. It teaches us that in times of chaos, the virtuous must step up to clear away the rot and restore clarity to the world.
Yet, the I Ching warns that fixing broken things is dangerous work. We must not act impulsively. The ancient wisdom advises us to "approach the task with fear and trembling, planning carefully to ensure success" (臨事而懼). We must look backward to understand the root cause and look forward to plan for the future—"Three days before the start, three days after the start."
Successful reform requires a delicate balance. We cannot be too lenient, or the corruption will return; nor can we be too rigid, or we might break the system entirely. We must adapt to the situation, combining Grace and Authority, and balancing the Hard with the Soft. By employing the right people and verifying our results, we can turn a time of decay into a new beginning.
