1. The people are the foundation of the country, and the foundation is the foundation of the country.

From "Shang Shu".

State: country. The people are the foundation of the country. Only when the people live and work in peace and contentment can the country be peaceful. The meaning of this sentence is that the people are the cornerstone of the country, and only by consolidating the cornerstone of the country can the country be peaceful.

2. Ambition is the key to meritorious service, and diligence is the key to extensive deeds.

From "Shang Shu·Zhou Shu·Zhou Guan".

The two words "wei" in this sentence should be said as "due to", which means that achieving great achievements lies in lofty ambition; completing a great cause lies in hard work.

3. Don’t be prepared when dealing with others.

From "Shang Shu·Shang Shu·Yi Xun".

Do not blame others for not being able to seek perfection, but be strict with yourself. Comparing the moral requirements for oneself with the moral requirements for others is exactly the principle of "being strict with oneself and being lenient towards others".

4. As long as you are not cautious, the world will not compete with you for merit; as long as you do not attack, the world will not compete with you for merit.

From "Shangshu Dayu Mo".

Interpretation: As long as you don’t think too highly of yourself, no one in the world will compete with you; as long as you don’t boast about your hard work, no one in the world will compete with you for credit. Ru: You. Jin: boast of one's talents. Cut: boast of one's merits.

5. Virtue lies in good governance, and politics lies in supporting the people.

From "Shangshu Dayu Mo".

Imperial virtue should make politics beautiful, and politics is about nourishing the people. The "good government" mentioned in this passage has the same meaning as the "virtuous government" and "benevolent government" advocated by Confucianism, which is politics that benefits the people. During the period of Dayu, it was not an easy task to unite numerous tribes so that they could "submit others to oneself".