Understanding Filial Piety: Insights from Confucius that Resonate Today

2·7 Ziyou (1) asked about filial piety, and Confucius said, “Nowadays, filial piety is considered to be being able to provide for one’s parents. Even dogs and horses are able to be provided for (2), so if there is no respect, how can they be distinguished?”

[Annotation]

(1) Ziyou: surname Yan, given name Ziyou, a native of Wu, 45 years younger than Confucius.

(2)养: yàng.

Translation

Ziyou asked what filial piety was, and Confucius said, “Nowadays, the so-called filial piety is just being able to support one’s parents. However, even dogs and horses can be fed. If you don’t have the heart to honor your parents, then what is the difference between supporting your parents and feeding dogs and horses?”

Commentary

This chapter is also about filial piety. There have been several different interpretations of the phrase “as for dogs and horses, they can all be fed.” One is that dogs guard the door and horses pull the carriage, and they can also serve people; the other is that dogs and horses can also be fed by people. This article adopts the latter interpretation, which is more appropriate.

Confucius’s Teaching on Filial Piety

Confucius, one of China’s most revered philosophers, often spoke about the importance of filial piety. In a conversation with his disciple Ziyou, Confucius provided profound insights into the true essence of this virtue. Ziyou asked, “What is filial piety?” Confucius responded by highlighting a common misconception: “Nowadays, filial piety is considered to be being able to provide for one’s parents. Even dogs and horses are able to be provided for, so if there is no respect, how can they be distinguished?”

Breaking Down Confucius’s Response

Confucius’s response underscores that filial piety is not just about material support but also about respect and genuine care. The comparison to dogs and horses serves to emphasize that mere provision without respect reduces the act to something almost mechanical, devoid of emotional and moral significance. In ancient China, as well as in many cultures today, providing for one’s family is a basic duty, but Confucius stresses that it should be done with a heart full of respect and reverence.

Material Support vs. Emotional Respect: Confucius differentiates between simply feeding parents and honoring them. While animals can be fed and kept, true filial piety involves a deeper emotional connection and respect.

Moral and Ethical Dimensions: Filial piety is not merely a duty but a moral and ethical obligation that encompasses love, respect, and care. This elevates the act from mere sustenance to a heartfelt duty.

Cultural Context and Interpretations

The phrase “as for dogs and horses, they can all be fed” has been interpreted in different ways over the centuries. Some believe it refers to the functional role of animals in service to humans, while others, like the interpretation we adopt here, view it as a statement on the ability to provide for beings without necessarily respecting them. This latter interpretation aligns with the broader Confucian principle that true virtue is expressed through both actions and intentions.

Historical Interpretations: Ancient scholars have debated the meaning, with some suggesting a focus on the utility of animals versus the ethical treatment of parents.

Modern Understanding: Today, we can see this teaching as a reminder that actions devoid of respect are hollow. Genuine filial piety involves both providing for and honoring our parents.

Relevance in Modern Society

In contemporary society, where the pace of life can often lead to a focus on material success, Confucius’s teachings on filial piety remain profoundly relevant. They remind us that true respect for our parents and elders is demonstrated through our actions and attitudes, not just through financial or material support.

Balancing Work and Family: In today’s fast-paced world, balancing professional responsibilities with family care can be challenging. Confucius’s teachings encourage us to prioritize emotional respect and presence.

Cultural Integration: For those in multicultural settings, understanding and integrating the concept of filial piety can enhance familial relationships and foster a deeper appreciation for diverse cultural values.