The Analects – Chapter 17.11

The Master said, “When we speak of ‘Ritual’ (Li), do we merely mean jade and silk? When we speak of ‘Music’ (Yue), do we merely mean bells and drums?”

Note

This passage from the Analects is Confucius’ profound reflection on and critique of the contemporary social phenomenon of “emphasizing form over substance,” which characterized the decline of ritual and musical traditions. In Confucius’s view, “Ritual” and “Music” are by no means merely external objects (jade and silk) or forms (bells and drums); these are simply vehicles for expressing inner spirit.

• The Essence of Ritual is “Reverence”: Jade and silk are merely props used during ceremonies. True Ritual lies in inner respect, modesty, and adherence to the ethical order of society. Without inner reverence, no matter how lavish the jade and silk, it is merely a hypocritical performance.
• The Essence of Music is “Harmony”: Bells and drums are merely instruments for playing music. True Music lies in achieving harmony of the human heart, social cohesion, and moral elevation through sound. Without inner peace and benevolence, no matter how grand the sound of bells and drums, it is merely meaningless noise.

This thought emphasizes the core Confucian concept of “a harmonious blend of outward form and inner substance.” Confucius used this to remind people not to put the cart before the horse and lose themselves in tedious formalities, thereby ignoring the true humanistic care and moral educational significance behind the institutions of ritual and music.

Further Reading

The Master said, “If a man is not benevolent, what has he to do with Ritual? If a man is not benevolent, what has he to do with Music?”

— The Analects, Chapter 3.3

Lin Fang asked about the foundation of Ritual. The Master said, “A significant question indeed! In Ritual, it is better to be frugal than extravagant; in mourning, it is better to express genuine sorrow than to be overly meticulous in formalities.”

— The Analects, Chapter 3.4

The Master said, “I hate the way purple usurps the place of vermilion. I hate the way the tunes of Zheng confound the elegant music. I hate the way sharp-tongued people overthrow states and families.”

— The Analects, Chapter 17.18

These chapters collectively explore the core essence of Confucian “Ritual and Musical Culture.” They all strongly oppose reducing ritual and music to mere materialism or formalism. Whether emphasizing that “Benevolence” (Ren) is the inner soul of ritual and music (“If a man is not benevolent, what has he to do with Ritual?”), advocating for genuine emotion over extravagance in ceremonies (“frugal,” “genuine sorrow”), or condemning decadent music for corrupting orthodox elegant music (“hate the way the tunes of Zheng confound the elegant music”), their commonality lies in defending the “spiritual core” of ritual and music. They jointly prove that, in Confucian thought, external rituals and objects must serve inner moral emotions. Without “Benevolence” and “Reverence,” ritual and music lose their value of existence.

子曰：「禮云禮云，玉帛云乎哉？樂云樂云，鐘鼓云乎哉？」