《孔子家语·礼运》
所以说礼，是义结出来的果实。只要配合义而能谐和，这种礼即使古代先王所未曾有过，也可以根据义理来创制。义，是对事理进行分辨，对爱心进行制约。用义来协调事理，用义来明辨仁爱，做到这些就会强大，失去这些就会丧亡。仁是义的根本，顺的主体，做到的人就会受到尊重。
故礼者，义之实也，协诸义而协则礼，虽先王未有可以义起焉；义者艺之分，仁之节，协于艺，讲于仁，得之者强，失之者丧；仁者义之本，顺之体，得之者尊。
Therefore, it is said that ritual is the fruit of righteousness. As long as it is in harmony with righteousness, even if such a ritual has never existed before the kings of ancient times, it can be created based on the principles of righteousness. Righteousness is to distinguish between issues and restrain love. Using righteousness to coordinate issues, using righteousness to distinguish between benevolence and love, doing so will make one strong, and losing them will lead to death. Benevolence is the root of righteousness, the subject of obedience, and those who practice it will be respected.