Lun Yu – Les Entretiens de Confucius

Ki K'ang tzeu était dans l'embarras à cause des voleurs ; il consulta Confucius. Le Maître lui répondit : « Seigneur, si vous n'étiez pas cupide, vous les récompenseriez qu'ils ne voleraient pas. »

Couvreur XII.17.

The people are made thieves by the example of their rulers.
Chî K'ang, distressed about the number of thieves in the state, inquired of Confucius how to do away with them. Confucius said, "If you, sir, were not covetous, although you should reward them to do it, they would not steal."

Legge XII.18.

The prevalence of thieves was a source of trouble to Chi k'ang Tzu who asked the advice of Confucius. 'Confucius answered, 'If you yourself were not a man of desires,' no one would steal even if stealing carried a reward.'

Lau [12:18]