What does Richard Wilhelm mean generally by “seeing the great man”?

[albinoshadow]

In Richard Wilhelm’s translation of the I Ching, he often refers to “seeing the great man”. I’m not completely clear about what is meant by this. What could be another way to interpret this line?

 

[surnevs]

In Richard Wilhelm’s translation of the I Ching, he often refers to “seeing the great man”. I’m not completely clear about what is meant by this. What could be another way to interpret this line?

- I have wondered, and still wonder, about that. Among many possibilities: "... take a trip from one who's tried." seek an experienced person. Just a guess...
When in doubt I consult the I Ching I actually consult The great Man and wonder when meeting this advice ie. seeing the great man - does it mean to ask one more time? I don't think so. But: like there are so many metaphors in the I Ching I guess this could be one of them (?)

 

[Liselle]

I also don't think it would usually mean cast another reading.

Hilary has a glossary available for purchase that's tons of help with common phrases and imagery like this. I highly recommend it if you can at all manage the price (about $8). More information here: Language of Change. (Open the pop-up thingy about halfway down that page to see the whole "feudal lords" entry.)

About "great man," she broadly says it's someone with vision, someone who sees more. That could be anything from an expert, to a book, to your own wiser self, depending on the situation and your question. I've seen it refer to my cat's vet, for instance.

 

[moss elk]

Generally, more often than not,
it is referring to an actual person.

The great man= an expert, someone with knowledge or accomplishment, a 'maestro', a sifu, a librarian...etc

And/But ...
The Greatness also can be Relative,
One doesn't need to consult with Bobby Fisher or Deep Blue to learn to play chess.
A 12 year old with experience will do just fine, if you are a novice.

 

[rosada]

I've had it as advice to try to see the good in the other person.

 

[breakmov]

It's funny how certain images earn a special place in memory:

I have this long-standing image where the actions and work of the world's most famous historical figures appear, and which has that quality that is easily identified as “seeing the great man”.

... and I imagine them all together sharing the same thought and yearning of how to answer themselves to that same question " what is "seeing the great man" in our interaction with the world?"
... and then...
I imagine an "ordinary person", anonymous, who goes about his normal life, and who is unexpectedly confronted with a fire in a house, someone screaming inside, everyone around stunned and waiting for the firefighters and without knowing how, he simply has the action of entering and removing the person.

...a "simple anonymous person" who had the clarity of action and spirit to answer what the moment demanded.

breakmov