✦ HEXAGRAM 4
Méng —
Youthful Folly.
Mountain above, Water below.
CHANGES INTO 49-ge →
JUDGMENT
Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; the young fool seeks me.
THE IMAGE
A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: the image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character through thoroughness in all he does.
INTERPRETATION
Ignorance is not shameful — refusing to learn is. This hexagram appears when you are a student, whether you realize it or not.
The teacher does not chase the student. When you are ready to learn, the lesson appears. Approach with humility, ask sincerely, and do not ask the same question twice expecting a different answer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What does Hexagram 4 mean?
- Hexagram 4 represents inexperience and the need for education. It asks you to approach your situation with humility and willingness to learn.
- Is Hexagram 4 negative?
- Not at all. Being a beginner is a powerful position — it means growth is ahead. The only warning is against arrogance or refusing guidance.