《新唐书·列传·卷一百零三》
我上面谈到 各地方违反命令，是因为任用的人不好 ，我认为州刺史的官职，是治理好坏的根本、朝廷法令的基础，他们的权力能驾御豪族，仁惠能抚恤孤儿寡妇，力量能抵御盗寇，政令能改变风俗。
臣前所谓 列郡干禁，繇授任非人 者，臣以为刺史之任，治乱之根本系焉，朝廷之法制在焉，权可以御豪强，恩可以惠孤寡，强可以御奸寇，政可以移风俗。
What I said above about the disobedience of the various prefectures is because the appointed officials are not good. I feel that the position of the prefect is the foundation of good or bad governance and the basis of imperial laws and regulations, and their power can control powerful clans, their kindness can appease orphans and widows, their strength can resist bandits, and their political orders can change customs.