《搜神记·卷十二》
天生五行之气，万物由它变化而成。木气清净就有仁爱，火气清净就有礼制，金气清净就有道义，水气清净就有智慧，土气清净就有思想，五气都纯净，那么圣人的德行就完备了。
天有五气，万物化成：木清则仁，火清则礼，金清则义，水清则智，土清则思：五气尽纯，圣德备也。
The Five Elements of nature produce all things in creation. When the Wood Element is pure, it engenders benevolence; when the Fire Element is pure it engenders ritual; when the Metal Element is pure, it engenders righteousness; when the Water Element is pure, it engenders wisdom; and when the Earth Element is pure, it engenders thoughtfulness. When all the Five Elements are pure, the person's moral nature is perfect.