《贞观政要·卷七·论礼乐》
如果有人能建立功业，爵位隆重，善于侍奉君主和父亲，忠孝都值得称赞，或者道德仁义高尚，学艺通博，这样也足以自立门户，称得上是士大夫。
且士大夫有能立功，爵位崇重，善事君父，忠孝可称，或道义清素，学艺通博，此亦足为门户，可谓天下士大夫。
If a person establishes great deeds, earns a lofty title, and serves their sovereign and parents well, their loyalty and filial piety being equally praiseworthy, or if their virtue, benevolence, and morality are exceptional, and their knowledge and skills extensive, such a person can stand on their own two feet and certainly qualifies as a gentleman.