Hexagram 49 Line 3: 九三

Classical Chinese Text

九三 征凶貞厲。革言三就。有孚。

革言三就。有孚

Wilhelm Translation

Starting brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times, One may commit himself, And men will believe him.

Commentary

Starting brings misfortune. Persistence brings danger. When talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times, one may commit oneself, and people will believe. Two mistakes to avoid: excessive haste and ruthlessness, or excessive hesitation and conservatism. Not every demand for change in the environment should be heeded—but when talk of change circles back for the third time, when the same complaint is repeated and well-founded, it should not fail of a hearing. Then you may commit yourself.