This term holds that all expressions of grief and joy should be kept under the restraint of propriety. It means that artists should not be extreme when giving vent to their feelings. They should start off with feelings but end in self-discipline. The term applies to both the philosophical field and artistic creation. What it accentuates is the golden mean, a Confucian term advocating impartiality, reconciliation, and compromise, with propriety as its overriding principle. If an artist obeys the golden mean, whether he writes an essay or a poem or paints a picture, his work will naturally show the beauty of equilibrium and highlight the gentleness and honesty of the Confucian doctrine.

When joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness is not yet expressed in response to an event, it is known as a state of balance. When they are expressed in words and deeds within the scope of propriety, harmony is achieved. Balance is the foundation of all things under heaven, while harmony is the universal rule. If a ruler can achieve balanced harmony, both heaven and earth will be in their proper places, and all things will prosper and thrive. The Book of Rites

Happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy are the common manifestations of human feelings. When kept undisclosed, they constitute a natural instinct and are regarded as “impartial.” When they are displayed, and in accordance with the rules of propriety, without any trace of extremity, they are regarded as “harmonious.” Zhu Xi: Annotations on The Doctrine of the Mean