原文】夫霸王之所始也，以人为本。本理则国固，本乱则国危。故上明则下敬，政平则人安，士教和则兵胜敌，使能则百事理，亲仁则上不危，任贤则诸侯服。《霸言》

【汉解】霸王之业的开始，也是以人民为本。本治则国家巩固，本乱则国家危亡。所以，上面英明则下面敬服，政事平易则人心安定，战士训练好则战争取胜，使用能臣则百事皆治，亲近仁人则君主不危，任用贤相诸侯就信服了。

【英译】Now, a lord protector or king begins by taking people as basic. If its base is in good order, the state will be secure; if it is in disorder, the state will be endangered. Therefore, if the sovereign is clear-sighted, subordinate officials will be respectful. If the government is evenhanded, people will be at ease. If the instruction of the knights is appropriate, the armed forces will vanquish the enemy. If these things can be effected, all undertakings will be well ordered. If the sovereign takes as his close associates those who are humane, he will never be endangered. If he employs the worthy, the feudal lords will be submissive.