13.26

Chapter: The Use of Spies

13.26

Translation:

Of old, the rise of the Yin dynasty was due to I Chih who had served under the Hsia. Likewise, the rise of the Chou dynasty was due to Lu Ya who had served under the Yin.

Commentary

There you go. Let’s end with a bit of history.

What it does say is that wisdom is rare, and if it is passed on, then whole dynasties will survive.

When wisdom is lost, then dynasties fall and it may take many years and much hardship for the wisdom to be re-gained.

It is a part of the foolishness of youth that the wisdom of their elders is not recognized.