This statement suggests that the beauty of literature and art lies in the unity and harmony of diverse elements. It became an important principle in ancient Chinese theories on literature and art, and facilitated the development of literature and art.
Citations
A single note does not compose a melodious tune; a single color does not form a beautiful pattern; a single flavor does not make a delicious meal; and a single thing has nothing to compare with.(Discourses on Governance of the States)
It is natural that silk of different colors can be used to embroider a beautiful pattern, different notes to produce melodious music, and expressions of different feelings to present a fine work of literary art. (Liu xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons)