an.2.9 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)
9. Conduct
“These two bright things, mendicants, protect the world.
What two?
Conscience and prudence.
If these two bright things did not protect the world, there would be no recognition of the status of mother, aunts, or wives and partners of teachers and respected people.
The world would become promiscuous, like goats and sheep, chickens and pigs, and dogs and jackals.
But because the two bright things protect the world, there is recognition of the status of mother, aunts, and wives and partners of teachers and respected people.”
“These two bright things, mendicants, protect the world.
What two?
Conscience and prudence.
If these two bright things did not protect the world, there would be no recognition of the status of mother, aunts, or wives and partners of teachers and respected people.
The world would become promiscuous, like goats and sheep, chickens and pigs, and dogs and jackals.
But because the two bright things protect the world, there is recognition of the status of mother, aunts, and wives and partners of teachers and respected people.”