"If a man is born with a nature that loves profit, and if he acts according to this nature, he will contend with others and be rapacious. Hence, deference and courtesy will disappear, and the principle…"

"The petty man thinks that to make a small gain is to be wise. The superior man thinks that to make a small loss is to be foolish."

"If speech is constantly sweet, then actions will constantly be bitter."

"Without ritual, there is no way to regulate human desires."

"The nature of man is to desire profit, and if he acts according to this nature, he will contend and snatch."