the I Ching on exhaustion

47. K'un / Exhaustion

'Times of adversity are the reverse of times of success, but they can lead to
success if they; befall the *right man.
When a strong man meets with adversity,
he remains cheerful despite all danger, and this cheerfulness is the
source of later successes; it is that stability which is stronger than fate.

He who lets his spirit be broken by exhaustion certainly has no success. But if
adversity only bends a man, it creates in him a power to react that is bound in
time to manifest itself.

No *inferior man is capable of this.
Only the great man brings about goof fortune and remains blameless.
It is true that for the time being outward influence is denied him,
 because his words have no effect.
Therefore in times of adversity it is important to be strong within and
sparing of words.'

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**note in the I Ching: the reference to 'superior' or 'great' vs. 'inferior'  or 'right' vs 'wrong'  is the difference between being on the path as a  'truth seeker' or light bearer  --and not.

the premise being that this is one on the path to truth-seeking and adopts the role of 'lightbearer' to all interactions and experiences.  the goal being to serve god & others (or others through god, or god through others..-- same difference).. and to live with & approach all situaitons with integrity & clarity of intentions.

adopted from the wilhelm translation