Stick #82: Reflection Required (Very Unfavorable)
事有不成须自省，反求诸己是聪明。找出症结勤改正，反思之后路自平。
Plain reading
When things fail, look inward first. Turn back upon yourself to find the knot — amend diligently and the road will level.
Interpretation
This is a very unfavorable lot titled "Reflection Required." When matters fail, examine yourself — the present trouble may spring from within. "Turn inward; find the knot; amend diligently" shows reflection is exit; change levels the road.
Situation notes
- Career: If setback comes, consider skill or attitude — amend, then advance.
- Relationships: If love breaks, consider your own fault first — change, then talk again.
- Wealth: If money is lost, consider greed or carelessness — amend, then manage again.
Common misread
Auspicious tiers (such as Very Unfavorable) are tone, not a verdict. Name one action you control before redrawing.
Advice
Each night write three lines: "where I could change today" — blame not others but self. Ask those who criticized you; they often show the true knot.
From Mencius: "When action fails, turn back upon oneself" — noble people in trouble first examine themselves; reflection is the turn.
Related sticks
- Stick #81: Perseverance Required — neighboring lot for tone contrast
- Stick #83: Omen of Great Ill Fortune — neighboring lot for tone contrast
Editorial note: entertainment and cultural reference. Source last revised: 2026-09-14. See Methodology and fortune stick guide.