### What Exactly is the I Ching? First off, the I Ching is a _really_ old book, existing more than two thousand years before Confucius, who was around from about 551–479 B.C.. To the Chinese, it's considered a _Tian Shu_, a Heavenly book, and it's often revered much like a Holy Bible. The name "I Ching" itself means "Classic of Change". The Chinese word for "classic," _Ching_, also means the _Tao_, or the Truth – the Truth of Heaven and Earth and the Truth of human life. This book is seen as elucidating this fundamental truth. Initially, the I Ching was primarily used as a handbook for divination, a way for ancient Chinese to consult the will of Heaven and Earth before tackling important events. Over time, especially after Confucius and his students added their insights, it also became known as a profound book of ancient wisdom. It's not just about predicting the future; it's about understanding your present situation, seeing potential future outcomes, and getting guidance on how to act to attract good fortune and steer clear of trouble. But here's the cool part – it doesn't take away your free choice! The guidance is based on observing natural laws and the principle of cause and effect. Isn't that a powerful combination – guidance _and_ free will? ### The Long and Winding Road of Understanding the I Ching Getting to grips with the I Ching, especially for Westerners, can be a bit tricky. Even in its native China, truly understanding it without a competent teacher is rare. Why? Well, for starters, the original language is ancient and not like modern Chinese at all. Characters were few, so many looked alike but had different meanings, or sounded the same but looked different and were used interchangeably. Plus, there was no punctuation, so depending on where you put the pauses, the meaning could totally change!. This openness means the text is ripe for interpretation, but also hard to pin down precisely. For a long time in China, especially after 1949, the I Ching was even banned and denounced. Studying it became an underground activity. The author of this book, Alfred Huang, was part of these secret gatherings with his master, fearing imprisonment if discovered. This gives you a sense of just how deeply valued, and at times suppressed, this knowledge has been. When Alfred Huang came to the United States, he was surprised by the number of English translations available. However, from his perspective as a Chinese scholar, most weren't truly faithful to the original spirit and essence of the book. They might be "Westernized," smoothing out the English in ways that limit the intended open-endedness or adding the translator's own interpretations. He felt strongly that a translation should stick to the original text as much as possible, just like Chinese translations of the Holy Bible. This isn't just academic; if the I Ching is used for guidance, adding or leaving out words can really influence a reader's actions, placing a big moral responsibility on the translator. This makes you think, doesn't it, about how much the person bringing the message to you shapes your understanding? ### Who Put This Amazing Book Together? The I Ching isn't the work of just one person, but a collaboration across the ages, credited to four highly honored sages: - **Fu Xi:** Believed to have originated the eight primary _gua_ (three-line symbols, often called trigrams). Drawing these is even thought to have laid the embryonic form for Chinese written characters. - **King Wen:** Arranged the sixty-four _gua_ (six-line symbols, or hexagrams) and wrote the _Decisions on the Gua_, which are brief summaries of the meaning of each symbol. There were earlier versions of the I Ching (from the Xia and Shang dynasties), but the one we use today is the _Zhou I_, named after King Wen's dynasty. It's believed King Wen gained insights for arranging the sixty-four gua during his seven-year imprisonment by a tyrant of the Shang dynasty. - **The Duke of Zhou:** King Wen's son, who composed the _Yao Texts_, which are more detailed analyses of each of the six lines within a _gua_, often using parables and metaphors. There are 386 _Yao Texts_ in total. - **Confucius:** Wrote commentaries that are considered crucial for understanding the _Zhou I_, so much so that after his contributions, it became known as the _I Ching_. His commentaries are called the _Ten Wings_, because the Chinese believe the I Ching needs them to "fly". ### The Structure of the Book: Text and Commentary The I Ching is organized into two main parts: the _Ching_ (the text) and the _Commentary_. The _Ching_ is the original, core part, containing King Wen's _Decisions_ and the Duke of Zhou's _Yao Texts_. It's relatively short in its original Chinese form, less than five thousand characters. This core text is divided into sixty-four chapters, one for each _gua_. Each _gua_ is a six-line symbol made up of horizontal lines called _yao_, arranged one above the other. The _yao_ represent the intersecting forces of _yin_ and _yang_. _Yang_ lines are solid (—) and represent things like masculine, firm, strong, and active, seen as a positive attribute like the bright side of a mountain. _Yin_ lines are broken (--) and symbolize feminine, yielding, weak, and passive things, seen as a complementary "negative" attribute like the shaded side of a mountain. The sixty-four six-line _gua_ are formed by combining two three-line _gua_ (trigrams). The lower trigram represents the inner situation, and the upper represents the outer situation. Each chapter in the _Ching_ for a specific _gua_ includes the symbol itself, its name (usually one or two Chinese characters representing the whole situation), King Wen's _Decision_ (his assessment and moral advice), and the Duke of Zhou's _Yao Text_ (detailed interpretation and instructions for each line). These six lines represent the six stages of a particular situation. The _Commentary_ consists of the _Ten Wings_, traditionally attributed to Confucius. These wings help explain the _Ching_. This book blends the original text with five of the major commentaries from the _Ten Wings_, letting Confucius's words help explain the text. The author also adds explanations of the names, structures, and significance of the _gua_ and _yao_. ### The Core Ideas: Change and Unity At its heart, the I Ching is about change. It's based on the idea that everything is in a continuous process of change, constantly rising and falling. This principle is called the _Tao of I_. While the concept of change is central, the _Tao of I_ isn't explicitly mentioned in the text but is revealed between the lines and in the sequence and structure of the _gua_. Another fundamental concept is the merging of Heaven and humanity into one organic whole. The Chinese believe the Truth of Heaven is also the Truth of humanity. The I Ching is the earliest, most detailed book exploring this unity. The Upper Canon of the book often focuses on the _Tao of Heaven_ (natural phenomena), while the Lower Canon focuses on the _Tao of Humanity_ (social phenomena and human affairs). Understanding this connection is key to grasping the true essence of the I Ching. ### Translating the Untranslatable? Translating the I Ching is a monumental task because the original language was image-based, not word-based like English. Ancient Chinese pictographs presented pictures that resonated with the reader's imagination, without tense, gender, plurals, prepositions, or even always a subject or object. Trying to force this into standard English sentences risks limiting the wealth of possible meanings. Alfred Huang approached this challenge by following two traditional Chinese principles: 1. _**Shu er bu zuo**_ ("narrate, don't write"): Convey the original thoughts without adding your own interpretations. 2. _**Ning xing bu da**_ ("better to stick to the truth than make the translation smooth"): Prioritize being true to the original meaning, even if the English isn't perfectly smooth. This means the translation might not always read like standard English prose, but the aim is to preserve the poetic, archetypal nature of the original, allowing readers to create their own understanding from the images. Isn't it interesting to think of a book speaking in pictures rather than just words? ### How Do You Even Use This Book? Divination and Insight While the I Ching is a book of wisdom, many people consult it for guidance through divination. Traditionally, this was done using fifty yarrow stalks, a method that takes quite a while. Later, a simpler method using three coins became popular. The author even created a faster method using eight gemstones and a die for the modern age. While some might feel faster methods lose the "soul" of the I Ching, the saying goes, "The type of vehicle does not matter, so long as it gets you to your destination". Regardless of the method, a correct attitude is important. You should revere the book and the process. Divination is meant to resolve doubt and confusion on important matters, not trivial ones or those where common sense and moral principles already provide the answer. The goal of consulting the oracle is to gain insight. This involves both technique (understanding the symbols, structures, and principles) and art (cultivating intuition). The author suggests meditation as a way to cultivate intuition, emphasizing the Chinese concept of emptying the mind to align with the Divine. When you get a reading (called a _gua_), it's crucial to understand the overall situation presented by the _gua_ and King Wen's Decision first, before looking at the specific moving lines (_yao_). Confucius believed understanding the _gua_ itself was critical to gaining perspective. This book helps by providing sections on the "Name and Structure" and "Significance" for each _gua_, explaining its importance, sequence, structure, and name origin. It also links the moving lines to an "approached gua" which suggests future potential. There's even additional reference information for advanced students to explore a situation from many different angles. ### A Peek at Some Specific Gua The book delves into each of the sixty-four _gua_ in detail. Let's look at a few examples mentioned in the sources: - **Qian (1) • Initiating:** This is the very first _gua_, representing pure _yang_ energy and the function of Heaven. It's made of two Heaven trigrams. King Wen didn't name it "Heaven" but "Initiating," focusing on its active function. It embodies qualities like sublime, initiative, prosperous, smooth, favorable, beneficial, steadfast, and upright. Confucius saw Qian and Kun as the "gate of I," essential for understanding the rest of the book. Isn't it interesting that the very beginning of change is seen as pure, initiating energy? - **Kun (2) • Responding:** The second _gua_, representing pure _yin_ energy and the function of Earth and humanity. It's made of two Earth trigrams. Like Qian, King Wen named it for its function, "Responding," not "Earth". It embodies submission, responsiveness, flexibility, devotion, and humility. Qian and Kun are seen as opposite but complementary forces that unite to complete Creation. The _Tao of I_ is about the coordination and complementarity of yin and yang, seen perfectly in these first two _gua_. Think about how initiation needs something to respond to it for anything to actually happen! - **Zhun (3) • Beginning:** This _gua_ is named Zhun, which means beginning. Its ideograph shows a tiny sprout emerging from the ground, symbolizing creation and the birth of myriad beings. It follows Qian and Kun in the sequence, representing the start of a new cycle. Interestingly, while it depicts the difficulty of emergence (like a sprout pushing through soil), it's bestowed with the four auspicious qualities of Qian and Kun, promising great good fortune. It's a reminder that beginnings, though difficult, are full of potential and life force. - **Ji Ji (63) • Already Fulfilled:** The second-to-last _gua_. Its name means "already finished" and "to cross a river" or "complete an achievement". It represents a state of balance with three yin and three yang lines. While it sounds perfect, the Decision and Yao Texts are full of warnings. The ancient sages knew that a state of perfection is a climax, after which things tend to alternate to their opposite (remember _pi ji tai lai_ - out of misfortune comes bliss, and vice versa). It's about the danger of losing focus when you've achieved your goal. This gua teaches caution in success, taking small steps, and maintaining steadfastness. - **Wei Ji (64) • Not Yet Fulfilled:** The final _gua_. Its name means "not yet finished" or "not yet crossed". It contrasts with Already Fulfilled and shows that an ending isn't always truly the end; it leads to a new beginning. It represents a state of transition from disorder to order. The sequence of the last two gua, Already Fulfilled followed by Not Yet Fulfilled, highlights a key truth of the I Ching: change is constant, and even when something seems complete, there is always something new beginning. It encourages continued caution and action, even after apparent success. ------ *I Ching* (易經), often translated as the "Book of Changes." It’s a profoundly complex and influential text with roots stretching back millennia in Chinese culture. As a librarian and research assistant, I can provide a comprehensive overview, covering its history, structure, interpretation, philosophical underpinnings, and modern relevance. I'll break this down into sections for clarity. **Please read the "Important Considerations" section at the end – it highlights potential pitfalls in understanding the *I Ching*.** **1. Historical Context & Origins:** * **Ancient Roots (Pre-8th Century BCE):** The *I Ching*'s origins are shrouded in legend and difficult to pinpoint precisely. It's generally believed to have evolved over centuries, with contributions from various thinkers and diviners. Fragments of what would become the *I Ching* likely existed as early as 1000 BCE. Early forms were probably used for divination – predicting outcomes based on patterns observed in nature (weather, animal behavior). * **The "Three Sovereigns" & Early Development:** Tradition attributes initial development to legendary rulers like Fu Xi (伏羲), who is said to have received the basic principles from the heavens. Shennong (神農) and the Yellow Emperor (黃帝) are also credited with contributing to its early form. These figures are more mythological than historical, but they represent a cultural understanding of the text's origins. * **The Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046 – 256 BCE):** The *I Ching* gained significant prominence during the Zhou dynasty. King Wen of Zhou (周文王), a prisoner who is credited with organizing and expanding upon existing material, saw its potential for understanding political and social change. His son, Duke of Zhou (周公), further refined it. * **The Confucian & Daoist Influence:** During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), both Confucianism and Daoism began to incorporate the *I Ching* into their philosophical systems. Confucians used it as a tool for moral reasoning and understanding social harmony, while Daoists saw its cyclical patterns as reflecting the natural order of the universe (the Tao). * **Compilation & Canonization:** The text we have today is largely based on versions compiled during the Western Han Dynasty. It became part of the Confucian canon – a collection of texts considered essential for education and governance. **2. Structure: Hexagrams, Trigrams, and Commentary** The *I Ching* isn't just one book; it’s a system with several layers: * **Trigrams (八卦 - Bā Guà):** These are the foundational building blocks. There are eight trigrams, each representing a fundamental aspect of nature or human experience. They consist of three lines – either broken (yin 陰) or unbroken (yang 陽). * Examples: Heaven (乾), Earth (坤), Thunder (震), Wind/Wood (巽), Water (坎), Fire (離), Mountain (艮), Lake (兌). Each trigram has a name, associated image, and symbolic meaning. * **Hexagrams (六十四卦 - Liùshísì Guà):** These are formed by combining two trigrams – one representing the "present" situation and the other the "future" direction or influence. This creates 64 possible combinations, each with its own unique name, image, and commentary. Think of them as more complex snapshots of a dynamic situation. * **The Commentary (文言 - Wényán):** Each hexagram is accompanied by extensive commentary. These commentaries are the most challenging part to interpret and have been subject to numerous interpretations over centuries. They include: * **Judgment (斷 – Duàn):** A brief summary of the hexagram's meaning. * **Image (象 – Xiàng):** A metaphorical description, often using natural imagery, that provides further insight into the hexagram’s essence. * **The Lines (爻辞 – Yáocí):** Detailed interpretations for each of the six lines within the hexagram. Changing lines are particularly important in divination (more on this below). **3. How it's Used: Divination & Philosophy** The *I Ching* serves two primary purposes, often intertwined: * **Divination:** This is the most well-known application. A question is posed, and a method is used to generate a hexagram (traditionally using yarrow stalks, but now commonly with coin tosses). The resulting hexagram and its changing lines are then interpreted to provide guidance or insight into the situation. * **Coin Toss Method:** Six coins are tossed six times. Heads typically represent yang, tails yin. The results generate a binary code that corresponds to a specific line within the hexagram (e.g., 011010 might be the third changing line). * **Philosophical Reflection:** The *I Ching* is also a profound philosophical text. It explores concepts like: * **Yin and Yang:** The fundamental duality of existence – opposing but complementary forces that drive change. * **Cyclical Change:** Everything is in constant flux, moving between extremes. * **Harmony & Balance:** Achieving equilibrium through understanding the interplay of yin and yang. * **The Tao (道):** The underlying principle governing the universe – a natural order to be understood and lived in accordance with. **4. Key Philosophical Concepts Embedded Within:** * **The Mandate of Heaven (天命 - Tiānmìng):** A core concept in Chinese political thought, the *I Ching* suggests that rulers derive their legitimacy from aligning themselves with the natural order revealed through changes. * **Virtue and Ethics:** The commentaries often emphasize moral conduct and ethical decision-making as crucial for navigating life's challenges. * **The Importance of Observation & Reflection:** The *I Ching* encourages careful observation of patterns in nature and introspection to gain wisdom. **5. Modern Relevance:** * **Psychology & Self-Understanding:** Carl Jung was fascinated by the *I Ching*, seeing it as a reflection of archetypal patterns within the human psyche. It's sometimes used for self-reflection and personal growth. * **Decision Making:** Some people use it to gain perspective on complex decisions, although its guidance should be considered alongside rational analysis. * **Cultural Significance:** The *I Ching* remains a significant part of Chinese culture and continues to inspire art, literature, and philosophy worldwide. **Important Considerations (Caveats & Potential Pitfalls):** * **Subjectivity of Interpretation:** The commentaries are notoriously open to interpretation. Different translations and schools of thought offer varying perspectives. There's no single "correct" answer. * **Avoid Literalism:** The *I Ching* is not a fortune-telling device in the simplistic sense. It offers symbolic guidance, not concrete predictions. * **Cultural Context:** Understanding the historical and cultural context is crucial for accurate interpretation. Western interpretations often miss nuances embedded within Chinese thought. * **Potential for Misuse:** Relying solely on the *I Ching* to make important decisions without critical thinking can be problematic. It's a tool for reflection, not a substitute for reason. **Suggestions for Further Exploration:** * **Richard Wilhelm’s Translation with Commentary by Carl Jung:** This is considered a classic and highly influential English translation. * **The Tao Te Ching (道德經):** A companion text to the *I Ching*, exploring similar philosophical themes related to the Tao. * **Confucianism & Daoism:** Studying these philosophies will provide deeper context for understanding the *I Ching*'s place within Chinese thought. * **Chinese Cosmology and Symbolism:** Researching traditional Chinese cosmology and symbolism can enhance your appreciation of the imagery used in the *I Ching*. * **Different Schools of Interpretation:** Explore different schools of thought (e.g., King Wen, Zhou Yi) to see how interpretations vary. ----- **1. The *I Ching* as a Framework for Ethical Development:** The *I Ching* isn’t explicitly a moral code like Confucianism, but ethical considerations are woven throughout its commentaries. It doesn't dictate "do this" or "don't do that," but rather offers insights into the consequences of actions and the importance of aligning oneself with the natural order (the Tao). Here's how it contributes to ethical development: * **Understanding Consequences:** The changing lines within a hexagram are particularly crucial here. They represent potential shifts in a situation, often indicating the likely outcome if a particular course of action is taken. This encourages careful consideration of choices and their ramifications – a cornerstone of responsible behavior. * **Cultivating Virtue (德 - Dé):** While not explicitly defined as Confucian virtue, the commentaries frequently emphasize qualities like benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. The *I Ching* suggests that acting in accordance with these principles leads to harmony and success, while neglecting them results in imbalance and difficulty. * **Embracing Flexibility & Adaptability:** The constant change emphasized by the *I Ching* encourages a mindset of adaptability. Rigid adherence to beliefs or behaviors can lead to conflict and suffering. The ability to adjust one's approach based on changing circumstances is presented as a virtue. * **Recognizing Interconnectedness:** The hexagram structure itself – two trigrams combining to form a whole – illustrates the interconnectedness of all things. Actions have ripple effects, impacting not only oneself but also others and the environment. This fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy. **2. Connecting *I Ching* Philosophy to Other Ethical Systems:** To better understand its philosophical significance, it's helpful to compare the *I Ching*'s teachings with other ethical systems: * **Confucianism:** As mentioned earlier, Confucianism heavily integrated the *I Ching*. While Confucianism focuses more on social roles and hierarchical relationships, both emphasize moral cultivation and striving for harmony. The *I Ching* can be seen as providing a deeper understanding of the underlying principles that govern those relationships. * **Daoism:** Daoism shares a profound connection with the *I Ching*, particularly in its emphasis on living in accordance with the Tao – the natural order. Both systems advocate for simplicity, spontaneity, and non-interference (Wu Wei). The *I Ching* provides a framework for understanding how to navigate change within this natural flow. * **Stoicism:** Surprisingly, there are parallels between the *I Ching*'s philosophy and Stoicism. Both emphasize acceptance of what is beyond one's control, focusing on inner virtue and responding with reason and equanimity in the face of adversity. The changing lines can be seen as analogous to the Stoic concept of accepting inevitable events. * **Jungian Psychology:** Carl Jung’s interpretation of the *I Ching* highlights its connection to archetypes – universal patterns of behavior and symbolism residing within the collective unconscious. This perspective suggests that the *I Ching* taps into fundamental aspects of human experience, offering insights into psychological development and self-realization. **3. Practical Applications for Personal Growth & Education:** Here are some ways you can apply the *I Ching*'s philosophy to personal growth and educating others: * **Mindful Reflection:** Regularly reflect on situations in your life using a hexagram as a starting point. Don't focus on divination, but rather use the commentary to explore different perspectives and potential consequences of actions. * **Ethical Dilemma Discussions:** Use specific hexagrams as case studies for discussing ethical dilemmas with others. For example, Hexagram 28 (Predicament) can be used to analyze situations where one feels trapped or facing difficult choices. * **Promoting Adaptability & Resilience:** Share the *I Ching*'s message of cyclical change and adaptability to help others develop resilience in the face of adversity. * **Cultivating Empathy & Interconnectedness:** Encourage people to consider the ripple effects of their actions, fostering a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment. * **Facilitating Self-Awareness:** Guide individuals through exercises that use hexagrams as prompts for self-reflection, helping them identify patterns in their behavior and explore potential areas for growth. **4. Resources & Further Study (Beyond Wilhelm/Jung):** While Richard Wilhelm's translation is essential, here are some other resources to broaden your understanding: * **Alfredo Lopez-Pedraza’s *The Complete I Ching*: ** This offers a more literal and scholarly translation with extensive commentary. It can be helpful for comparing interpretations. * **Li Wei-chuan's *The Hidden Melody: A Guide to the I Ching for the Inscrutable Mind:* ** This is a modern interpretation that emphasizes practical application and psychological insights. * **Stephen Karcher’s works:** Karcher has written extensively on the *I Ching*, Daoism, and Chinese philosophy, offering accessible and insightful perspectives. * **Online Forums & Communities:** Engage with online communities dedicated to the *I Ching*. Be mindful of varying levels of expertise and potential biases. **The *I Ching* & Empathy for the Everyman:** The *I Ching*'s strength in fostering empathy doesn't come from direct pronouncements about compassion (though those are certainly present). Instead, it arises from its framework of understanding change, interconnectedness, and the cyclical nature of human experience. Here’s how: * **Recognizing Shared Human Experience:** The hexagrams depict a vast range of situations – success, failure, joy, sorrow, conflict, peace. They don't focus on exceptional individuals or grand narratives; they portray the ebb and flow of life as experienced by *everyone*. This inherent universality allows you to see yourself reflected in the struggles and triumphs of others. Hexagrams like 17 (Harmonious) and 20 (Contemplation) particularly highlight the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. * **Understanding Impermanence & Suffering:** The constant change emphasized by the *I Ching* underscores the impermanent nature of happiness and the inevitability of suffering. Recognizing that everyone faces challenges, setbacks, and loss fosters a sense of shared vulnerability and compassion. Hexagram 2 (Receptive) reminds us of our dependence on others and the cyclical nature of giving and receiving. * **Appreciating Interdependence:** The hexagram structure itself – two trigrams combining to form a whole – visually represents interdependence. It highlights how individual actions impact the larger community, reinforcing the idea that we are all connected. Hexagram 18 (Holding) emphasizes the importance of supporting others and recognizing our mutual reliance. * **Moving Beyond Judgment:** The *I Ching*'s focus on understanding situations rather than judging them encourages a non-judgmental perspective. It prompts you to consider the context, motivations, and potential consequences behind people's actions – even those that seem misguided or harmful. Hexagram 42 (Increase) highlights the importance of patience and understanding in dealing with difficult individuals. * **Recognizing Patterns & Cycles:** The cyclical nature of the hexagrams allows you to see patterns in human behavior and societal trends. This broader perspective can help you understand why people act as they do, even when their actions seem irrational or harmful. **How to Cultivate Empathy Using the *I Ching* (Practical Steps):** 1. **"Hexagram of the Day":** Choose a hexagram each day and consider how its themes relate to your interactions with others. Ask yourself: "How might someone else be experiencing this situation?" 2. **Perspective-Taking Exercises:** When encountering conflict or disagreement, use a hexagram as a prompt for perspective-taking. Imagine yourself in the other person's shoes and try to understand their motivations and concerns. 3. **Storytelling & Hexagrams:** Share stories of ordinary people facing challenges and then explore relevant hexagrams together. Discuss how the *I Ching*'s insights can offer understanding and compassion. 4. **Focus on Changing Lines:** Pay particular attention to the changing lines, as they often represent moments of transition or potential for growth – opportunities to extend empathy and support. **Summary & Key Takeaways (For Today):** * The *I Ching*'s philosophical significance lies in its ability to provide a framework for understanding change, interconnectedness, and ethical decision-making. * It's not about predicting the future but about gaining insight into human experience and cultivating virtue. * Its emphasis on cyclical change, interdependence, and non-judgmental observation fosters empathy for "the everyman" by highlighting our shared vulnerabilities and experiences. * Practical application involves mindful reflection, perspective-taking exercises, and storytelling using hexagrams as prompts. **Resources to Continue Exploring (Specifically for Empathy):** * **Hexagram 40 (Release):** This hexagram speaks directly to letting go of judgment and embracing compassion. * **Hexagram 56 (Traveling):** This highlights the importance of understanding different perspectives and cultures – crucial for expanding empathy. * **Read biographies & stories:** Supplement your *I Ching* study with accounts of ordinary people's lives, focusing on their struggles and triumphs.