Revolution (Gé)

Judgment

革：巳日乃孚，元亨利贞，悔亡。

Plain Meaning：Revolution: only when the day is ripe is it believed—great success through correctness; remorse vanishes.

Image (Great Commentary)

泽中有火，革；君子以治历明时。

Line Texts

• 初九巩用黄牛之革。

  Bound with yellow ox-hide—hold still; the time is not yet.

• 六二巳日乃革之，征吉，无咎。

  When the day comes, revolt—advancing brings fortune, no blame.

• 九三征凶，贞厉，革言三就，有孚。

  Haste is ominous; when the call for change has thrice matured, it carries trust.

• 九四悔亡，有孚改命，吉。

  Remorse gone—changing the mandate with sincerity; fortune.

• 九五大人虎变，未占有孚。

  The great one changes like a tiger—trusted even before divination.

• 上六君子豹变，小人革面。征凶，居贞吉。

  The noble changes like a leopard, the petty change their faces; further campaigns are ominous—abide steadfastly.

Symbolism

Fire in the lake: the old order consumed, the new established.

Life Lesson

Reform succeeds on timing and trust—plan thoroughly, act legitimately.

Modern Application

For transformation or pivoting, wait for ripeness and communicate fully.

Words of Caution

Premature change convinces no one.