The petty man is eager to make boasts, yet desires that others should believe in him. He enthusiastically engages in deception, yet wants others to have affection for him. He conducts himself like an animal, yet wants others to think well of him.
XunziI once tried standing up on my toes to see far out in the distance, but I found that I could see much farther by climbing to a high place.
XunziSince the nature of people is bad, to become corrected they must be taught by teachers and to be orderly they must acquire ritual and moral principles.
XunziWhether the gentleman is capable or not, he is loved all the same; conversely the petty man is loathed all the same.
Xunzi