The Foundation of Harmony: Filial Piety and Obedience in Confucian Philosophy

1·2 Yousi(1) said: “It is rare to find someone who is filial and obedient(2) and who likes to disobey his superiors(3). It is even rarer to find someone who does not like to disobey his superiors and who likes to make trouble(5). A gentleman is concerned with the basics(6), and when the basics are established, the way is born(7). Is filial piety and obedience the basis of benevolence(8)?

[Notes]

(1) You Zi: a student of Confucius, whose surname was You and whose given name was Ruo. He was 13 years younger than Confucius, or 33 years younger, depending on which account is believed. In the Analects, Confucius’s students are generally referred to by their given names, except for Zeng Can and You Ruo, who are referred to as “Zi.” Therefore, many people believe that the Analects were written by Zeng Can and You Ruo.

(2) Filial piety and fraternal duty: Filial piety is the correct attitude that children should have towards their parents in a slave society. Fraternal duty is the correct attitude that younger brothers should have towards their older brothers. Filial piety and fraternal duty are two basic moral principles that Confucius and Confucianism particularly advocate. The old commentary says: filial piety is to be good to one’s parents, and fraternal duty is to be good to one’s older brothers.

(3) Offend one’s superiors: Offend refers to offending or violating. Superiors refers to people in a higher position.

(4) Xian: pronounced xian, meaning “few.” The word “xian” in the Analects is used in this way.

(5) Wei zhi you ye: This is a sentence inversion of “Wei you zhi ye.” There is a rule in ancient Chinese syntax that if the object of a negative sentence is a pronoun, it is generally placed before the verb.

(6) Wu ben: Wu, to concentrate on, to devote oneself to. Ben, the root.

(7) Dao: In ancient Chinese thought, dao has many meanings. Here, it refers to the Confucian concept of ren, which is the core of the entire moral philosophy and its embodiment in real life. In short, it is the basic principle of governing a country and being a person.

(8) The foundation of ren: Ren is the highest category of Confucian philosophy and the ethical and moral standard. The foundation of ren is filial piety and fraternal duty as the foundation of ren. Another explanation is that the ancient character for “benevolence” is the character for “human being,” and the foundation of benevolence is the foundation of being human.

[Translation]

Yuzi said, “It is rare to find someone who is filial to his parents, obedient to his elders, and dislikes offending the ruler. There is no one who dislikes offending the ruler and likes to rebel. A gentleman devotes himself to the fundamental affairs, and once the foundation is established, the principles of governing the country and being a human being are established. Filial piety to one’s parents and obedience to one’s elders are the foundation of benevolence!”

[Commentary]

Yu Ruo believed that if people can be filial to their parents and obedient to their elders at home, then they can be loyal to the country. Filial piety and obedience are the prerequisites for loyalty, and loyalty is the goal of filial piety and obedience. Confucianism believes that if filial piety and obedience are practiced in the family, there will be no “rebellion against the ruler” within the ruler; if filial piety and obedience are extended to the working people, the people will also obey absolutely and will not rise up in rebellion, thus maintaining the stability of the country and society.

The concept of filial piety and fraternal duty is the foundation of benevolence, and is very important for readers to understand Confucius’s philosophy and ethical thinking, which has benevolence at its core. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the Zhou emperor practiced the system of primogeniture, and the other sons were given fiefdoms as vassals. The entire society was structured from the emperor to the vassals to the dukes, and the foundation of this political structure was feudal patriarchal blood ties.

Filial piety and fraternal duty are directly related to social stability. Confucius saw this, so all his ideas and propositions were based on this. He explained that filial piety and fraternal duty are the foundation of benevolence, because if people are filial and fraternal, they will not rebel against the government. Since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, feudal rulers and literati have inherited Confucius’s ideas on filial piety and fraternal duty, advocating “ruling the world with filial piety.” The Han Dynasty is a prime example. They used moral education as an important means of enforcing feudal rule, imprisoning the common people in the shackles of the Confucian classics and moral ethics, which had a great impact on the moral concepts and behavior of the people, and also had a profound impact on the entire traditional Chinese culture. The doctrine of filial piety served feudal rule and the patriarchal family system. We should have a clear understanding and analysis of this, abandon the feudal toxins, inherit its reasonable content, and give full play to the role that morality should play in social stability.

Confucianism, a cornerstone of Chinese cultural and philosophical thought, emphasizes the importance of moral virtues and social harmony. One of the central tenets, as articulated by Youzi, a prominent student of Confucius, is the profound impact of filial piety and obedience on personal conduct and societal stability.

The Rare Virtue of Filial Piety and Obedience

Youzi observed, “It is rare to find someone who is filial to his parents, obedient to his elders, and dislikes offending the ruler. There is no one who dislikes offending the ruler and likes to rebel.” This statement underscores the rarity and value of individuals who exhibit both filial piety and respect for authority. In Confucian thought, filial piety (the respect and care for one’s parents) and fraternal duty (the respect and support for one’s elder siblings) are seen as fundamental virtues. These virtues are believed to naturally extend to broader social and political contexts, promoting loyalty and harmony.

The Gentleman and the Basics

“A gentleman devotes himself to the fundamental affairs, and once the foundation is established, the principles of governing the country and being a human being are established.” According to Youzi, a gentleman, or a person of noble character, focuses on fundamental virtues. Establishing these basic virtues creates a solid foundation for personal development and societal governance. The “fundamental affairs” refer to the core ethical practices, primarily filial piety and fraternal duty, which underpin Confucian moral philosophy.

Filial Piety as the Basis of Benevolence

Youzi concludes, “Filial piety to one’s parents and obedience to one’s elders are the foundation of benevolence.” In Confucianism, benevolence (ren) is the highest moral principle, encompassing kindness, compassion, and humanity. Filial piety and obedience are seen as the roots of this broader concept of benevolence. By cultivating these virtues within the family, individuals develop the moral integrity necessary to contribute positively to society.

Implications for Social Stability

Confucius and his followers believed that if individuals practiced filial piety and obedience at home, they would naturally extend these virtues to their interactions with rulers and society at large. This alignment of personal and political loyalty was thought to prevent rebellion and ensure social stability. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the societal structure was heavily based on familial and feudal relationships. The emphasis on filial piety and fraternal duty reinforced this structure, promoting a stable and orderly society.

Modern Reflections on Confucian Values

In contemporary times, the principles of filial piety and obedience continue to be relevant, albeit in different contexts. These values can foster strong family bonds and a sense of responsibility towards the community. However, it is essential to critically examine and adapt these principles to avoid perpetuating outdated or oppressive practices.

Confucianism’s emphasis on moral education and ethical conduct can provide a valuable framework for addressing modern social issues. By promoting virtues such as respect, loyalty, and compassion, societies can work towards greater harmony and stability. At the same time, it is crucial to balance these traditional values with the need for individual autonomy and social justice.

Conclusion

The teachings of Confucius, particularly as expounded by his student Youzi, highlight the importance of filial piety and obedience as foundational virtues. These principles, rooted in familial respect and social harmony, offer timeless insights into the cultivation of personal integrity and societal stability. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, revisiting and adapting these ancient values can provide a pathway to greater understanding and cohesion in our communities.