The True Meaning of Filial Piety in Confucianism: Balancing Tradition and Progress

1·11 The Master said, “When the father is alive, observe his (1) will; when the father is dead, observe his conduct (2); if, for three years (3), he does not change from his father’s ways (4), he may be called filial.”

[Annotation]

(1) His: his, referring to the son, not the father.

(2) Conduct: xìng, referring to behavior and manners.

(3) Three years: The ancient people did not take numbers too mechanically, and they just said that it would take a long time, not necessarily just three years.

(4) Dao: Sometimes it is a noun in the general sense, and it can be called dao regardless of whether it is good or bad, good or evil. But more often it is a noun with a positive meaning, indicating something good and good. Here it means “reasonable content.”

[Translation]

Confucius said, “When his father was alive, (because he had no right to act independently), observe his aspirations; after his father died, examine his behavior; if he does not change his father’s reasonable part for a long time, such a person can be said to have fulfilled his filial duty.”

[Analysis]

This chapter is still about the issue of “filial piety,” and it concretizes the word “filial piety.” Lu Xun once said, “As long as people’s minds are not blocked, they all like their children to be stronger, healthier, smarter, and more noble than they are—and happier. Even if they surpass themselves and the past, they must change. Therefore, descendants should change the ways of their ancestors. ‘Three years without changing the ways of one’s father can be considered filial piety,’ is of course a crooked saying, the root of the disease of retreating from the world. (From “The Grave: How we should be fathers now”)

In this chapter, Confucius said that when a father died, a son should not change the rules set by his father within three years. This is the ultimate expression of filial piety. In fact, this kind of filial piety emphasizes the son’s obedience to the father. The Song Dynasty Confucian scholars said that if you cannot change the way of your father, then no matter how good your actions are, you are not being filial. In this way, not changing the way of your father becomes the greatest good, otherwise it is not good. This principle of judgment, as Lu Xun said, is distorted. History is developing, society is advancing, and people’s ideas, words, and deeds cannot always stay at the level of the past. “Green is better than blue,” and future generations surpass the previous ones. This is the inevitable course of history.

Confucius, one of the most influential philosophers in Chinese history, often spoke about filial piety. One of his notable teachings states: “When his father was alive, observe his aspirations; after his father died, examine his behavior; if he does not change his father’s reasonable part for a long time, such a person can be said to have fulfilled his filial duty.”

This teaching emphasizes two key aspects:

Respecting the Father’s Will: While the father is alive, the son should respect and follow his father’s wishes and guidance. This period is crucial for the son to understand his father’s principles and values.

Continuing the Father’s Ways: After the father’s death, the son’s conduct should reflect the values and principles imparted by his father. If the son maintains these for an extended period, he is considered to have shown true filial piety.

Analyzing the Concept of Filial Piety

Confucius’s teaching provides a concrete definition of filial piety. It is not merely about obedience but involves a deeper understanding and continuation of the father’s values and principles. This form of filial piety requires the son to embody his father’s virtues, ensuring that the father’s legacy lives on.

However, this concept has been debated over time. Lu Xun, a prominent Chinese writer, criticized this notion, arguing that adhering strictly to the past without allowing room for progress can hinder societal development. He believed that children should be encouraged to surpass their parents, adapting to the evolving world rather than being confined by outdated traditions.

The Evolution of Filial Piety

The Song Dynasty scholars reinforced the idea that not changing the father’s ways was the highest form of filial piety. According to them, deviating from the father’s path, regardless of the son’s achievements, was not considered filial. This rigid interpretation has been viewed as limiting, potentially stifling innovation and growth.

In contrast, modern perspectives advocate for a more dynamic approach to filial piety. It involves honoring the past while embracing change. As society advances, the values and principles from previous generations should serve as a foundation, not a constraint. This balance allows for both respect for tradition and the pursuit of progress.

Filial Piety in Contemporary Society

In today’s world, filial piety remains a significant cultural value, especially in Chinese communities. It manifests in various forms, from caring for elderly parents to preserving family heritage. However, contemporary interpretations also emphasize the importance of supporting and guiding the younger generation to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.