⚠The text is in a high-contrast black-and-white scan of a woodblock print. Some characters are slightly cramped or blurred due to the printing technique.

Humanity

original: "人" (Ren). This heading marks the beginning of a section dedicated to human affairs, ethics, and household management.


Flattery, arrogance, hypocrisy, jealousy, and suspicion	Wealth and status have no fixed permanence	One need not fret over wealth and status	Deep anger will surely lead to failure	In teaching others, one must first examine oneself	Do not speak of the private affairs of others	If a lawsuit can be stopped, then stop it	Thieves and bandits must be guarded against	A wealthy family must not be exploitative original: "刻剥" (Kebao). Refers to the harsh treatment of subordinates or the poor by the rich.	Children must be protected and guarded	When hiring agents, one must choose the honest and cautious	Ponds and dams Beitang: irrigation systems used for farming must be repaired in a timely manner	Overdue debts must not consume the principal capital	Servants should not voice grievances or resentment
A person values loyalty, trust, sincerity, and respect	One must not use wealth and status to be arrogant toward others	Wealth and status have their own destined portion	When doing evil, do not exhaust your spirit	Talk of right and wrong is not worth worrying about	Avoid harsh or violent speech at all costs	Expenses should each be measured and frugal	Install side doors to prevent robbery	If an item is lost, seek it out immediately	Warn relatives and old friends against the abuse of alcohol	The cunning and deceitful must not be employed	Handling documents and receipts must be done carefully	Tenant farmers Dianke: farmers who rented land from landlords must be treated with leniency and compassion	All matters must be handled by oneself personally
Xunzi A famous Confucian philosopher (c. 310–235 BCE) known for his focus on social ritual and the belief that human nature requires cultivation. says: Be content with your lot	In vigorous action, do not rely on others	Compassion will surely bring a certain reward	Lowly status is not enough to alarm?; use it for self-reflection	Personal flattery is not worth being happy about	Interactions with others should be harmonious and easy-going	Defenses and precautions must be thorough	Show concern for neighbors to prepare for emergencies	Always guard against fire and candles in the home	Hardships are best endured through harmony and unity	Construction projects require thorough preparation	Pay taxes early to the officials original: "抗賦" (Kangfu). Literally "resisting taxes," here framed as something to avoid by paying promptly.	Avoid private [illegal] trade in the local districts	In performing rituals, do not be overly indulgent to oneself