A Matter of Change: Enhancing Resilience & Embracing Uncertainty with I Ching

In life, embracing uncertainty with an open mind can lead to transformative experiences and unexpected opportunities. I vividly recall a significant moment in 2006 when I faced a crucial life decision while living in Spain. Seeking advice, I turned to a friend who introduced me to I Ching and offered guidance. I was amazed at the multitude of factors to consider that had escaped my awareness before. If you resonate with concepts like the Einstellung effect, tunnel vision, or recency bias, exploring the insights of I Ching could offer a fresh perspective and unveil hidden truths.

Charlie Munger once remarked that humans tend to cling to the first idea that comes to mind, restricting curiosity about alternatives - it is known as First-Conclusion bias. This tendency can lead to accepting erroneous results and stifling further exploration. This, however, could be countered with some mental routines. And here I Ching presents a contrast to the conventional scientific notion of cause-and-effect. Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus coined a concept of "unapparent connection", which surpasses the surface-level of "apparent connection”, since it holds a deeper allure that sparks curiosity and fascination.?

System

I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, serves as an extraordinary tool for navigating life's complexities and business challenges. Its hexagrams find parallels with age-old concepts like yin and yang and the Wu Xing or Five Elements theory. Interestingly, the binary system's association with I Ching played a pivotal role in shaping Leibniz's characteristica universalis, an ambitious vision of a universal language, subsequently forming the foundation of modern computing and digital technology through Boolean logic.

Donella Meadow - author of "Thinking In Systems: A Primer" - wrote: "Ever since the Industrial Revolution, Western society has benefited from science, logic, and reductionism over intuition and holism. Psychologically and politically we would much rather assume that the cause of a problem is “out there,” rather than “in here.” Words and sentences must, by necessity, come only one at a time in linear, logical order. Systems happen all at once. They are connected not just in one direction, but in many directions simultaneously. The human mind seems to focus more easily on stocks than on flows."

In essence, I Ching reminds us of the inherent beauty and power in accepting the randomness that life presents. Moreover, in software development, incorporating randomness and variability can be crucial for creating robust and secure systems. Randomization techniques can enhance security protocols, making it harder for malicious actors to predict patterns or exploit vulnerabilities. Additionally, randomization aids in load balancing, optimising performance, and preventing bottlenecks in software applications

By integrating randomness into various aspects of life, we cultivate flexibility, resilience, and creativity, enriching our experiences and fostering innovation. Recognizing that not everything can be predicted or controlled empowers us to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Acknowledging that not everything can be predicted or controlled allows for adaptability and resilience in an ever-changing world. Barbara Oakley, who wrote the "Mind for numbers" noticed: "Evidence suggests that to grapple with a difficult problem, we must first put hard, focused-mode effort into it. (...) The diffuse mode is also often an important part of problem solving, especially when the problem is difficult. But as long as we are consciously focusing on a problem, we are blocking the diffuse mode."

Development

The origin of I Ching dates back to approximately 1500 BC, making it a testament to enduring wisdom that has captivated countless generations. I Ching's core philosophical concepts, such as the dynamic interplay of yin and yang and the principles of change and transformation, are rooted in ancient Chinese cosmology and cosmogony.

Over time, I Ching evolved and expanded, incorporating various commentaries and interpretations from different scholars and schools of thought. It became an essential text for Chinese philosophy, culture, and spirituality, influencing a wide range of fields, including Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese medicine. It is an ancient wisdom that continues to resonate with people seeking meaningful answers in their lives, making it a valuable tool for introspection and decision-making in the 21st century.?

Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience have shed light on the brain's remarkable ability to generate and blindly follow on its own predictions. People easily believe what their brain represents as true. Even if they can die from some viral thoughts. David Robson in his recent book “The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World” introduced some striking examples such as: Havana syndrome, Sudden Unexpected Nocturnal Death Syndrome or mass psychogenic illness. He wrote: “According to an increasing number of neuroscientists, the brain is a ‘prediction machine’ that constructs an elaborate simulation of the world, based as much on its expectations and previous experiences as the raw data hitting the senses. For most people, most of the time, these simulations coincide with objective reality, but they can sometimes stray far from what is actually in the physical world.” Our mindset shapes every facet of our lives and how our brain holds the keys to unlocking a better version of ourselves. Whether through the placebo effect or the nocebo effect, it is a fundamental aspect of human cognition to create meaning and understanding in our reality.?

Impact

The impact of I Ching is evident in its recognition as one of "The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written" compiled by Martin Seymour-Smith. It has inspired seekers, scholars, and thinkers across cultures, leaving an indelible mark on human understanding. Notably, its influence extends beyond philosophy.

One intriguing connection lies in the work of the renowned philosopher and mathematician, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, who drew inspiration from 64 hexagrams of I Ching to develop the binary system. This system forms the foundation of modern computing and digital technology. The binary system's reliance on two primary symbols, 0 and 1, mirrors the concept of yin and yang in I Ching, where the interplay of two fundamental forces brings forth all possibilities in the universe.

Moreover, the eminent Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Carl Gustav Jung, was heavily influenced by I Ching in his exploration of the human psyche. He saw in its archetypal symbols a reflection of the collective unconscious and used it as a tool to understand the complexities of the human mind. I Ching formed his theories of archetypes and synchronicity. Jung's interest in I Ching not only enriched his psychological theories but also contributed to its recognition as a valuable psychological and philosophical resource.

In the 21st century, I Ching is used in business for decision-making, leadership development, and fostering creativity. It provides a unique approach to change management that differs from conventional Western philosophy and methodology. This operates on non-causal relationships, providing a versatile set of advice for handling uncertainty and integrating changes. There is emphasis on the inevitability of change and the value of embracing it instead of resisting it. By adopting this mindset, organisations can create a culture that welcomes change and explores new possibilities. Such approach leads to better outcomes and increased resilience in the face of change.

How it works

The traditional method of consulting I Ching involves throwing coins to determine hexagrams, while in the modern era hexagrams can also be generated using code. The point is to randomly create six lines (broken or unbroken). The interpretation of hexagrams and changing lines provides insights into present dynamics and influences on one's path.

Each line represents yin or yang, which are basic ideas in Chinese philosophy, two opposing forces that shape all aspects of existence. The hexagram's overall meaning depends on two trigrams, which are combinations of three lines each. These trigrams symbolise yin (depicted by the broken lines) and yang (represented by the unbroken lines). Each trigram further embodies essential aspects of the universe, including heaven, earth, thunder, water, mountain, wind, fire, and lake.

The way the lines are formed is totally random, but Arthur Schopenhauer - eloquently quoted by Jung - states that the result expresses a “subjective connection which exists only in relation to the individual who experiences it”. Consequently this creates a “meaningful coincidence” between the time of determining hexagram and the dance of yin and yang. Each throw of the coins holds the essence of this intricate interplay, offering a deeply personal and insightful experience.

I Ching illuminates the intriguing interplay between seemingly unrelated events that carry relevant connections. The inquisitive sceptic might question whether any other method could yield the same outcomes. Nevertheless, when approached with genuine sincerity, these connections take on a remarkable sense of significance. It's important to remember that interpretations may vary based on the context and the person doing the divination.?

Moreover, it presents a powerful demonstration of our innate ability to assign significance to ambiguous data, using evocative and artful language to convey profound insights. Through this lens, I Ching becomes a captivating journey into the realm of human perception and interpretation. It's important to remember that interpretations may vary based on the context and the person doing the divination. I Ching's wisdom helps to see the interconnections in life, guiding with clarity and insight.

How it doesn’t work

The guidance presented by I Ching's is not prescriptive, but rather encourages introspection and contemplation. It is not magic or a transcendental New Age phenomenon. The richness of its symbolism and metaphor allows individuals to find meaning that resonates with their unique experiences and emotions.

Synchronicity, a concept introduced by Carl G. Jung, refers to circumstances that seem to hold meaningful connections despite lacking any apparent causal relationship between events. In modern research, synchronicity experiences are described as a subjective phenomenon where coincidences between events in one's mind and the external world may not be causally linked but possess an unknown and intriguing connection.

There are some risks, however. Cold reading may lead a practitioner to misinterpret the hexagrams or lines in I Ching to fit the circumstances. Instead of providing genuine insights, the practitioner may rely on vague statements that could be true for many people. If the person seeking the I Ching reading has a specific outcome in mind or a preconceived notion of what they want to hear, the practitioner might unconsciously or consciously tailor the reading to confirm their beliefs, leading to biassed interpretations.

The Barnum effect, also known as the Forer effect, refers to the tendency of individuals to accept general or vague statements as highly personalised and accurate descriptions of themselves. This phenomenon is often observed in personality assessments or horoscopes, where seemingly specific statements are actually applicable to a wide range of people.?

However, the Barnum effect does not apply to I Ching because its interpretations are not based on generic or one-size-fits-all statements. By generating the hexagram through a process of randomization, an individual takes an active role in shaping their own destiny. While scientific "proof" is challenging to provide, I Ching's history of use and testimonials from practitioners over centuries attest to its impact on enhancing self-awareness, promoting mindfulness, and offering valuable guidance.?

Practice

The frequency of consulting I Ching is subjective and depends on individual preferences and needs. Some people may consult it on a regular basis, like once a week or once a month, to gain insights into ongoing challenges. Others may use it more sporadically, seeking guidance during significant decision points or life-changing events. It might make sense - as recommended by R.L. Wing in “The I Ching Workbook” - to write down details of each session for further analysis. This requires some diligence, but it might uncover recurring themes in one’s life.

Ultimately, there are no strict rules regarding how often one should consult I Ching. It is essential to approach it with sincerity and an open mind, using it as a tool for reflection, self-discovery, and gaining deeper insights into the situations and questions at hand. The key is to find a balance that resonates with personal beliefs and practices.

--Michael Talarek

PS. You can read more about the practical application of I Ching and try my code on Github.