The Master said, “If someone were to employ me, I could show results within a year, and achieve real success within three years.”
Note
This statement from The Analects of Confucius reveals his profound confidence in both his political vision and practical governing ability. He was not merely a moral philosopher but believed that Confucian principles – centered on virtue, ritual propriety, and moral education—could produce tangible social transformation.
“Results within a year” suggests that basic order, administrative efficiency, and public trust could be restored quickly through ethical leadership. “Real success within three years” implies the full flourishing of a well-ordered society: harmonious customs, upright officials, and a populace guided by benevolence (humaneness). This reflects the Confucian conviction that good governance is not only possible but rapidly achievable when rooted in moral sincerity and institutional integrity. At the same time, the remark conveys Confucius’s deep longing for an opportunity to serve – and his realistic understanding that reform requires both immediate visible progress to gain credibility and sustained effort to achieve lasting change. See more about Confucius’ reform and governance in Lu state.
Further Reading
The Master said, “Governing by virtue is like the North Star: it stays in its place, and all the stars revolve around it.” Analects 2.1 (Wei Zheng)
Reinforces the idea that virtuous leadership naturally attracts order and loyalty—supporting Confucius’s claim that results would follow quickly if he were employed.
The Master said, “When one’s own conduct is upright, people follow without orders; when it is not, they will not obey even if commanded.” Analects 13.6 (Zi Lu)
Both emphasize that effective governance stems from the ruler’s moral character and action—not just policy—making rapid transformation possible.
子曰：「苟有用我者。期月而已可也，三年有成。」
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