《韩非子·内储说上七术》
治不在小，乱不在大；如果法令不设立，诛罚不兑现，即使有十个左氏城也没有裨益；如果法令设立，诛罚兑现，即使失去十个左氏城也没有损害。 
夫治无小而乱无大。法不立而诛不必，虽有十左氏无益也；法立而诛必，虽失十左氏无害也。 
Good order does not consist in having a small state, and disorder does not consist in having a large one; if laws are not established and punishments are not carried out, then even ten Zuo cities will not be beneficial; if laws are established and punishments are carried out, even if ten Zuo cities are lost, there is no harm caused. 