《淮南子·说山训》
水深而广的鱼长得大，山高林深的树木长得长；但一心想扩大领地却削弱了他的美德，这就像陶工制陶器，揉土持坯使之变薄，越薄越破得快。
水广者鱼大。山高者木修。广其地而薄其德，譬犹晦人为器也，谍挺其土而不益厚，破乃愈疾。
Fish grow big in deep and wide waters, and trees grow tall in high mountains and dense forests; but those who focus on expanding their territory and neglect their morals are like a potter making pottery: the thinner the clay is made, the easier it breaks.