The first sentence after the opening of The Analects of Confucius is about thrift, asking the state to "save its lover", asking the state to use its wealth carefully and cherish the manpower of the government and the people.

The tenth article is a dialogue between two disciples in charge, saying that Confucius was "gentle, respectful and frugal" and mentioned the important virtue of "frugality".

Fourteen, the master admonished the students that "a gentleman can't eat enough, and he can't be safe ..."

Zi Gong said, "Poor but not flattering, rich but not arrogant?" Confucius said, "Yes. Happiness lies in not being poor. It is good to give gifts if you have money. "