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Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture 179

and proper in thoughts with no depravity and is in keeping with the beauty of
balanced harmony. This concept has always been held in high respect among
scholars over the years because of the important position in history enjoyed by
both Confucius and The Book of Songs. It is often used to judge and critique writers
and writings, although some of the poems in The Book of Songs are not fully up to
the standard of “no depraved thoughts” due to their unbridled feelings and
candidness.