Reaching the limit leads to change; change leads to solution; solution leads to development.
This is a saying from The Book of Changes, meaning that when all means to an extreme are exhausted, it will give rise to a desire for change, while the change will lead to a solution and lasting stability. This is a keen perception of the underlying dynamics of change. In other words, all things are in a state of constant change, and such changes will go in the reverse when they reach the extremes. People should understand this and seize the right time and opportunity to bring about favorable changes and consequently realize smooth and lasting development.
This idea reveals a feature of natural change, that is, all things may reach a bottleneck during the process of change, by which time previously favorable conditions will turn into obstacles hindering further progress. People should adapt to such situations, look for a new path, and make necessary adjustments in order to ensure smooth and steady progress.
Xi Jinping talked about the relationships between change, solution and the lasting effect on a number of occasions, such as the gathering marking the 69th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II, the 19th General Assembly of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the 14th General Assembly of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
穷则变，变则通，通则久
“穷则变，变则通，通则久”，出自《周易•系辞下》，意为事物达到极限就会发生变化，发生变化才能通顺，通顺则能长久，这是对事物变化规律的一种认识。也就是说，事物处于不断的变化之中，并会在极致时朝向对立面转化。人应该把握这一事物变化规律，在穷极之时寻找变化的契机，促成事物的改变，以实现通顺长久的发展。这一理念概括了自然变化的一个基本特征，即万事万物发展到一定阶段，会遇到瓶颈，原先曾经有利的条件也会成为进一步发展的障碍。这时要主动适应，在变化中寻求新的发展路径，并通过不断动态调整，保证工作、事业能够稳定持续地发展。
习近平在纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利69周年座谈会和在中国科学院第十九次院士大会、中国工程院第十四次院士大会上的讲话中均提到了“穷则变，变则通，通则久”。