說苑, Volume 17-20

Believed to contain reflections on the nature of wisdom, virtue, and the role of sage leadership in society. The opening of the text presents diverse discourses addressing the characteristics of wise and virtuous individuals, contrasting their fates with those of less honorable figures. Through references to historical figures and moral allegories, the author explores themes such as loyalty, the consequences of advice, the nature of power, and the importance of timing and opportunity for achieving success. The text emphasizes a philosophical framework that examines human relationships and ethical conduct in governance, providing a detailed discourse on how different virtues and decisions shape not only personal destinies but also the fate of states and societies.