43 – The Proclamation – Resolution – A Lake drawn towards the Sky

The proclamation to the people should be a calculated affair. Such a declaration should be considered similar to a military strike. I.e.…it should be done not for ones peace of mind, but rather to instill a pre-calculated emotion in the people. Thus said, information should be only dispersed on a need to know basis. Furthermore, the objective should be to charm and not to frighten; words shall be melodious and swords shall remain sheathed. The wise man first resolves in his own heart what must be done, then he announces it to the people and sets forth with unwavering courage.

1^st – The Hollow Proclamation – Thinking he could impress the people, he took upon a task too monumentus for him to complete. Nevertheless, he rode forth and returned in shame. The wise man carefully measures his ability before committing to a task.

2^nd – Backing up the Proclamation – He who talks the talk, must walk the walk. If we feel fear at carrying through what we have started, then we shall purchase guns and knifes to alleviate these fears of potential inadequacy. The wise man knows no fear.

3^rd – The Prideful Proclamation – Making a big show of his strength, he continued to walk alone even though it was raining. Eventually, he got stuck in the mud, though in the end nobody could point a finger.

4^th – The Beaten Proclamation – He was not strong enough to complete the task and now wanders confused and hesitantly through the desert. A caravan offers assistance, but this he refuses because he is too proud to follow another’s lead. Is this the most intelligent path?

5^th – Eking out the Proclamation – Though minor adversary presents itself, he continues forward with unwavering tenacity. In the end, he achieves what he desires, though perhaps not in the smoothest way.

6^th – The Proclamation Fails – He thought it was completed, but one step away from the finish, unexpected calamity happens and the whole thing fails. The wise man carries affairs through to the bitter end and knows that it is not over until it is over.

All Six – The Letter of the Proclamation – When seeking council, he looks back at what he has already declared and follows this scripted path to the end.  We already have all the information we need;  now it is just a matter of doing it and doing it well.