分号连接两个并列分句，后半句使用动词 shatter 强化了事实对虚妄言辞的打击力度。
Since ancient times, there have been those who work diligently and humbly, those who struggle with all their might, those who plead for the people, and those who sacrifice themselves for the law.
Although I had imagined various idealized worlds for a safe but mediocre existence, none were ever realized. However, I have found one for them, which you likely already know: the First Prison in Beijing. Located in the open ground outside Xuanwu Gate, it is safe from neighboring fires; with two meals a day, there is no worry about hunger or cold; a regular schedule for rest and activity prevents harm to one's health; the structure is sturdy and will not collapse; the guards manage everything, so no further offenses occur; and robbers will certainly not come to steal. Living there is incredibly safe, truly embodying the saying, 'A son worth a thousand gold should not sit by a ledge.' Yet, there is one thing lacking: freedom.
Facts are unfeeling things; they can shatter empty words to pieces.
If one only reads books, one becomes nothing more than a bookshelf.
We must thank the first person to eat a crab, but we must also thank the first crab that got eaten.
Tragedy destroys what is valuable in life and shows it to us; comedy tears apart what is worthless and reveals it to us.
我们自古以来，就有埋头苦干的人，有拼命硬干的人，有为民请命的人，有舍身求法的人。
虽然想了各种苟活的理想乡，可惜终于没有实现。但我却替他们发现了，你们大概知道的罢，就是北京的第一监狱。这监狱在宣武门外的空地里，不怕邻家的火灾;每日两餐，不虑冻馁;起居有定，不会伤生;构造坚固，不会倒塌;禁卒管?，不会再犯;强盗是决不会来抢的。住在里面，何等安全，真是『千金之子坐不垂堂』了。但缺少的就有一件事自由。
事实是毫无情面的东西，它能将空言打得粉碎。
倘只看书，便变成书橱。
我们要感谢第一个吃螃蟹的人，也感谢第一个被吃的螃蟹。
悲剧将人生的有价值的东西毁灭给人看，喜剧将那无价值的撕破给人看。