33. Retreat
Dùn — Strategic Withdrawal
Trigrams
The Judgment
Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
The Image
Heaven above mountain — heaven retreats upward, increasing the distance. The wise person keeps the inferior at a distance, not angrily but with reserve.
Interpretation
Retreat is not defeat. When inferior forces advance, the wise person withdraws with dignity rather than engaging in a losing battle. This is strategic withdrawal — choosing the time and manner of your departure rather than being driven out. Retreat requires more character than advance, because it means accepting that the current conditions do not favor you. Small efforts can still be maintained during retreat, but grand ambitions must wait.
Advice
Withdraw strategically. Don't fight battles you cannot win right now. Retreat with dignity and grace. Maintain small efforts and keep the inferior at a distance. The time for advance will return.
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