《史记·七十列传·太史公自序》
夏、商、周三代之礼，各有所增减而不同，但总地来看，其要领都在于使礼切近人的情性，通于王道，所以礼根据人的质朴本性而制成，减掉了那些繁文缛节，大体顺应了古今之变。作《礼书》第一。
维三代之礼，所损益各殊务，然要以近性情，通王道，故礼因人质为之节文，略协古今之变。作礼书第一。
The rituals of the three dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou were different from each other with their own additions and deletions, but in general, their essentials were all about making the rituals close to human nature and connected to the kingly way. Therefore, the rituals were made based on the simplicity and honesty of human nature. The繁琐Etiquette was removed, and it generally conformed to the changes of ancient and modern times. Made the first volume of the "Book of Rites".