When the sun and moon want to be bright, they are covered by floating clouds; when the river water wants to be clear, they are covered with sand and gravel; when human sexual desire is flat, cravings harm it. ——Liu An's "Huainanzi Qi Su Xun"

Fame and integrity are more important than Mount Tai, and profit is lighter than a feather. ——Yu Qian of the Ming Dynasty, "Yusu Min Gong Ji·Untitled"

Do not move for profit, and do not move for danger. ——Huang Xing's "Thank you speech at the welcome meeting for members of the National Assembly stationed in China"

If you see profit, you will not lose your justice, and if you see death, you will not change your defense.

——"Confucius' Family Sayings·Explanation of Confucianism"