《周书·列传·卷二十三》
自古以来，州郡的高级属员祇凭藉门第资格任命，大多没有选择德才兼备的人才；低级小吏衹是试其文笔优劣，全不问道德品行。
自昔以来，州郡大吏，但取门资，多不择贤良；末曹小吏，唯试刀笔，并不问志行。
Since ancient times, senior officials in provinces and counties have been appointed solely on the basis of their family status, and few have been men of proven virtue and ability. Junior officials have been appointed on the basis of their literary skills but no regard has been paid to their moral character.