《汉书·志·礼乐志》
上天秉持它的特性却不能有所节制，圣人能够加以节制地利用而且不会断绝，所以就依照天地的规律制作了礼乐，用来通达神灵，建立人的伦理，端正人的性情，调节万事万物。
天禀其性而不能节也，圣人能为之节而不能绝也，故象天、地而制礼、乐，所以通神明，立人伦，正情性，节万事者也。
The heavens adhere to its characteristics but cannot be restrained. The saints can use it with restraint and not interrupt it, so they make rituals and music according to the laws of heaven and earth to reach the gods, establish human ethics, improve human nature, and regulate all things.