该句通过重复对称结构强化预见能力的重要性。
How can sparrows understand the ambition of a swan? —— Sima Qian
The pursuit of learning values breadth, the pursuit of the Way values essence. —— Sima Qian
Those united by power drift apart when power ends. —— Sima Qian
If farmers do not work, food is lacking; if craftsmen do not work, tasks remain undone; if merchants do not trade, vital goods vanish; if officials do not act, resources are scarce. These four are the source of people's sustenance. When resources are abundant, they are plentiful; when scarce, they are limited. Above, the nation prospers; below, households thrive. The way of wealth and poverty cannot be deprived. —— Sima Qian
For the people, food is paramount. —— Sima Qian
The wise foresee what is yet to arise; the intelligent avoid danger before it takes form. —— Sima Qian
When Xiang Zhuang danced with a sword, his intent was aimed at Lord Pei. —— Sima Qian
The higher the moral path, the greater the security; the higher the power, the greater the danger. —— Sima Qian
Everyone must face death; for some it is as weighty as Mount Tai, for others as light as a feather. —— Sima Qian
At the pinnacle of governance, neighboring countries can see each other. The sounds of chickens and dogs are audible; people enjoy their food, appreciate their clothing, live in peace with customs, and take pleasure in their work. —— Sima Qian
To investigate the interplay between heaven and man, and to understand the changes from ancient to modern times. —— Sima Qian
Thus, enduring hardship in obscurity, living humbly without complaint, yet regretting that one's personal feelings are not fully expressed and literary talent goes unrecognized. —— Sima Qian
Do not occupy a position for which one is unfit; do not receive rewards beyond one's merit. —— Sima Qian
Benevolent yet authoritative, kind yet trustworthy, cultivate oneself and the world will follow. —— Sima Qian
Those united by power drift apart when power ends. —— Sima Qian
A noble person is awkward with those they do not know but trusts those they understand. —— Sima Qian
Flattering words please the eyes, honest words convey truth, harsh words are medicine, sweet words can wound. —— Sima Qian
Where there is determination, success follows; break the cauldrons and sink the boats, and even the hundred and twenty Qin passes will belong to Chu. The diligent are not forsaken by heaven; enduring hardships and testing oneself, three thousand Yue soldiers can conquer Wu. —— Sima Qian
燕雀安知鸿鹄之志。——司马迁
求学贵于博，求道贵于要。——司马迁
以权利合者，权利尽而交疏。——司马迁
农不出则乏其食，工不出则乏其事，商不出则三宝绝，虞不出则财匮少，财匮少而山泽不辟矣。此四者，民所衣食之源也。原大则饶，原小则鲜，上则富国，下则富家，贫富之道，莫之夺予。——司马迁
民人以食为天。——司马迁
明者远见于未萌，智者避危于无形。——司马迁
项庄舞剑，意在沛公。——司马迁
道高益安，势高益危。——司马迁
人固有一死，或重于泰山，或轻于鸿毛。——司马迁
至治之极，邻国相望。鸡狗之声相闻，民各甘其食，美其服，安其俗，乐其业。——司马迁
究天人之际，通古今之变。——司马迁
因此隐忍苟活，函粪土之中而不辞者，恨私心有所不尽，鄙没世而文采不表于后也。——司马迁
官非其任不处也，禄非其功不受也。——司马迁
仁而威，惠而信，修身而天下服。——司马迁
以权利合者，权尽而交疏。——司马迁
君子拙于不知己，而信于知己。——司马迁
貌言华也，至言实也，苦言药也，甘言疾也。——司马迁
有志者，事竟成，破釜沉舟，百二秦关终属楚；苦心人，天不负，卧薪尝胆，三千越甲可吞吴。——司马迁