《宋书·志·卷十四》
大凡儒家理论深奥，不能在短时间内学成，古代的俊贤之士，必须三年才能学通一一经，如果等到平定寇贼，天下太平然后修习礼乐，那么功成事定，谁来参与制定礼乐呢另外贵族子弟，未必有斩将夺旗的才能，也未必有从军征戍的功劳，如果不趁着年轻讲习道义，使明珠加上琢磨的功夫，使荆玉、堕珠发出经过开采雕琢的光彩，不是也很可惜吗。
夫儒道深奥，不可仓卒而成，古之俊乂，必三年而通一经。比须寇贼清夷，天下平泰，然后修之，则功成事定，谁与制礼作乐者哉！又贵游之子，未必有斩将搴旗之才，亦未有从军征戍之役，不及盛年讲肄道义，使明珠加莹磨之功，荆、随发采琢之美，不亦良可惜乎！
Generally speaking, Confucian theories are profound and cannot be mastered in a short period of time. In ancient times, the most outstanding people must study the "one classics" for three years to master them. If we wait until the Kou bandits are pacified and the world is peaceful before we study rituals and music, then when the work is done and things are settled, who will participate in formulating the rituals and music? Besides, the children of nobles may not have the ability to kill generals and capture flags, nor may they have the merit of serving in the army. If we do not take advantage of our youth to study the principles of the Dao, so that the bright pearls can be polished and the rough jade and fallen pearls can shine after being mined and carved, isn't it a pity?