《论衡·卷十二·程材篇》
儒生事事小心翼翼战战兢兢，不能担当繁杂的工作，地方长官有烦难疑问，不能效力。他们的能力对于处理时事没有用处，那么当官就轮不到他们身上。
儒生栗栗，不能当剧；将有烦疑，不能效力，力无益於时，则官不及其身也。
The Confucians are somewhat apprehensive and timid, and cannot handle complicated affairs. Local officials have difficulties and doubts, but they cannot be of any use to them. Their ability is of no use in handling current events, so they cannot be given official posts.