Music, as a way of expressing the inner feelings of human beings, allows no expression of false sentiment. According to the Confucian views on music education, a person whose heart is touched by what happens externally will naturally express his inner feelings through music. Therefore, music faithfully reflects the emotions and will of human beings, something that cannot be falsified. Thus, if a person thinks good things or does good deeds and rejects undesired temptations, he can achieve inner peace and harmony. The voices made or music composed by such people are naturally sincere and elegant. However, if a person behaves in an undesirable way, the voices made or tunes composed by him are unpleasant. No person with unacceptable thoughts can create sincere and elegant music.

Poetry gives expression to one’s will; singing articulates the voice of one’s heart; and dancing visualizes one’s inner feelings with body movements. They all arise from one’s mind and are accompanied by musical instruments. So, profound emotions are reflected with artistic brilliance; full energy is transformed into art; peace and harmony attained at one’s heart are displayed through vigorous appearance. Music allows no expression of false sentiment. (The Book of Rites)