Straight, Square, Great
Updated 2026-08-10
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
From the Kun hexagram of the I Ching, the line names three qualities: straight, meaning direction and integrity; square, meaning clear rules and framework; and great, meaning scale and reach. The text adds that such a person suffers no harm even without study, because the underlying operating logic is sound. The qualification is that the greatness follows from the first two qualities rather than being pursued directly. Its use is fixing fundamentals before optimizing tactics.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Direction check: confirm the goal is clear and not being adjusted to fit each opportunity. - Rule audit: verify the framework is explicit enough that decisions can be made without escalation. - Scale readiness: ask whether the operating logic could support ten times the current size.
Anchor fast decisions
When direction and rules are explicit, decisions made at different points in the system become consistent with each other without central coordination, so the system can grow without adding proportional management. Where either is missing, each new unit requires its own negotiation, and growth multiplies the coordination cost until it exceeds the capacity to manage it.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikisource.orghttps://zh.wikisource.org/wiki/%E5%91%A8%E6%98%93/%E5%9D%A4verified
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