The deterioration of a government begins almost always by the decay of its principles.

Death has its revelations: the great sorrows which open the heart open the mind as well.

贪心不知足易招侮辱，不如节俭而守廉洁之气。求取功名而冒犯节义，不如节俭而成全节义。巧取豪夺而致积怨，不如节俭而养心性。放纵自己满足欲望，不如节俭而安定性情。