说苑/魏文侯從中山奔命安邑，田子方後，太子擊遇之，下車而趨，子方坐乘如故，告太子曰：「為我請君待我朝歌。

The crown prince, Ji, encountered Zifang on the road, descended from his chariot, and approached him on foot.

Zifang remained seated in his chariot and said to the crown prince, “Please ask his lordship to wait for me at Chaoge.” The crown prince was displeased and said to Zifang, “I don’t know whether it is the poor or the great and wealthy who are arrogant in their demeanor toward others.” “It is the poor who are arrogant,” replied Zifang.

“How could the great and wealthy dare show arrogance?

When a ruler is arrogant, he will lose his state—I have yet to see anyone just sit and wait for his state to perish.

If a poor man doesn’t get his way, he can put on his sandals and leave— where can he go that he won’t be able to be poor?

It is the poor who are arrogant to others; how can the great and wealthy dare be arrogant?” When the crown prince caught up with Marquis Wen and repeated Zifang’s words, Marquis Wen sighed and said, “If it had not been for you, how could I have heard that worthy man’s discourse!

I showed Zifang through my actions that I did not think myself his superior and thus was able to become his friend; and, ever since I became his friend, my officers have drawn close to me, and the common people have become stronger in their allegiance to me.

Because of this, I have come to appreciate the value of befriending men of worth.

When I wished to attack Zhongshan, I showed Yue Yang, on account of his military ability, that I did not think myself his superior; and in three years Zhongshan was delivered into my hands.

Because of this I have come to appreciate the value of befriending military men. The reason I have made no further advance is because I have never yet met one who, on the basis of his wisdom, acted arrogantly toward me.

If I can obtain such a person, how can I fail to rival the ancients?