This concept of living in harmony with others without losing moral ground was mentioned in early Confucian classics such as The Doctrine of the Mean and Xunzi. Confucianism believed that interpersonal relations should be in proper order and harmonious. But it was concerned that if one only pursues harmony, desire to foster personal ties can easily lead to a failure to abide by the moral code and to loss of moral ground. Confucianism therefore emphasized the importance of abiding by one’s moral standard while maintaining harmonious relations with others.

A man of virtue lives in harmony with others without losing moral ground – such is his strength. The Book of Rites

Music exerts a profound impact on people and rapidly transforms them. This is why past kings were very careful when setting out rules of musical composition. If music is balanced and tranquil in tone, then people will live in harmony without losing moral ground; if music is solemn in tone, people will be in proper order and not be unruly in behavior. Xunzi