Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
A flourishing intellectual era during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (circa 770–221 BCE), characterized by diverse philosophical schools writing treatises, debating one another, and vigorously promoting their doctrines. The term “hundred” is used figuratively to denote a great multitude.
The Master said, “If a true king were to arise, it would still take a generation—about thirty years—before benevolent rule could be fully realized.”
The Master said, “If someone were to employ me, I could show results within a year, and achieve real success within three years.”
The Master said, “Govern the people by regulations, keep order among them by punishments, and they will flee from you, and lose all self-respect. Govern them by virtue, keep order among them by ritual and they will keep their self-respect and come to you of their own accord.”