Shī Nàiān

Quotes

1. Even what you see with your own eyes may not be true.

2. 

   There's safety only in a stiff backbone.

3. 

   Three bowls [of our wine] and you can't cross the ridge.

4. 

   The prettiest papayas are emptiest inside.

5. 

   For adultery catch the pair, for robbery find the loot, for murder produce the body.

6. 

   Parents pick the first husband, widows choose the second.

7. 

   One look at a man's face tells you whether he's prospering or suffering.

8. 

   The culprit must pay for his wrong, the debtor for his debt.

9. 

   The pliant rise in the world, the hard invite disaster.

10. 

    News of good behavior never gets past the door, but a scandal is heard of a thousand li away.

11. 

    Ecstasy begets tragedy, from misery good fortune springs.

12. 

    Without coincidence there would be no story.