《明史·列传·卷二百一十五》
国家的生计越是困难，边疆地区的事务便越是棘手，朝廷里的议论也就越多。明朝从这一点上看，已经不能有所作为了。
国计愈困，边事愈棘，朝议愈纷，明亦遂不可为矣。
The more difficult the country's livelihood became, the more difficult the issues on the borders became, and the more debates arose in the imperial court. Judging by this single point, the Ming dynasty was already incapable of taking any action.