original_query: What is the overarching theme of the Zuo Zhuan text?
query: What is the overarching theme of the Zuo Zhuan text?
answer: The overarching theme of the Zuo Zhuan is that haughty, evil, and stupid individuals generally bring disaster upon themselves, while those who are good, wise, and humble are usually justly rewarded.  The Confucian principle of "ritual propriety" or "ceremony" is seen as governing all actions, including war, and to bring bad consequences if transgressed. However, the observance of li is never shown as guaranteeing victory, and the Zuo Zhuan includes many examples of the good and innocent suffering senseless violence.