The following passage is from the Great Learning, a text associated with Confucius (551  – 479 BCE) and his students, although the exact authorship is difficult to ascribe.  Its declaration that social order depends first of all on the inner soundness of the individual may make us think of the saying from Gayan, Alapas : “0 peace-maker, before trying to make peace throughout the world, first make peace within thyself!”

The ancients who wished to clarify their clear virtue under heaven would first govern their countries.

Those who wished to  govern their countries would first regulate their families.

Those who wished to regulate their families would first cultivate their personal lives.

Those who wished to cultivate their personal lives would first make their hearts true.

Those who wished to make their hearts true would first make their intentions sincere.

Those who wished to make their intentions sincere would first extend their knowledge.

From the Son of Heaven down to the common people, all must regard cultivation of the personal life as the root or foundation.

There is never a case when the root is in disorder and yet the branches are in order.