Human nature is evil, and goodness is caused by intentional activity.

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

When people lack teachers, their tendencies are not corrected; when they do not have ritual and moral principles, then their lawlessness is not controlled.

Thus, anybody who follows this nature and gives way its states will be led into quarrels and conflicts, and go against the conventions and rules of society, and will end up a criminal.

They are done merely for ornament. ... the common people regard them as supernatural.

When you concentrate on agriculture and industry and are frugal in expenditures, Heaven cannot impoverish your state.

Quarreling over food and drink, having neither scruples nor shame, not knowing right from wrong, not trying to avoid death or injury, not fearful of greater strength or of greater numbers, greedily aware only of food and drink - such is the bravery of the dog and boar.