Pi · 否

Judgment (卦辞)

Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior man. The great departs; the small approaches. Heaven and earth do not commune; all things lose their connection. The superior man withdraws into inner worth and avoids outward glory.

否：否之匪人，不利君子贞，大往小来。

Image (象辞)

Heaven and earth do not commune — the image of Standstill. The superior man holds back his worth and conceals his light. When heaven and earth cease to interact, stagnation sets in. The wise person retreats inward rather than struggling against the tide.

天地不交，否；君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。

Modern Application

Pi warns of stagnation and disconnection — a time to retreat, conserve energy, and avoid ambitious projects. Key for recognizing market downturns, organizational dysfunction, and strategic withdrawal.

否警告停滞与脱节——这是退守、保存能量、避免雄心勃勃项目的时期。对识别市场低迷、组织失调和战略性撤退至关重要。