Shíshíwùzhě wéi jùnjié.*

識時務者為俊傑。

Lit Those [who are] attuned to the tide of the times are people of outstanding talent.

Fig A wise person knows when to bow to circumstances. Realists succeed.

Note [Originally from Sān Guó Zhì; also cf. R3K, chap. 76; see also dàzhàngfu néng qū above.]

Topics CIRCUMSTANCES FLEXIBILITY REALISTS TALENT TIMING