Classic library

The Classic of Filial Duty

The Classic of Filial Duty (Hsiao Ching) is a short Confucian text that presents filial piety—respect and care for one's parents—as the root of all virtue and the foundation of a well-ordered society. Traditionally attributed to a dialogue between Confucius and his disciple Zengzi, it connects personal conduct to political order, arguing that the way one treats family shapes the way one governs. Ivan Chên's 1908 translation preserves the dignity and clarity of the original while making this often-overlooked classic accessible to modern readers interested in Confucian ethics and Chinese political thought.

Chapter 1

Filial Duty, Chapter 1: The Meaning of Filial Duty

Confucius explains the fundamental meaning and universal principle of filial duty to his disciple Zengzi.

Chapter 2

Filial Duty, Chapter 2: The Filial Duty of an Emperor

The Emperor manifests filial duty through love and respect, setting an example for all the people.

Chapter 3

Filial Duty, Chapter 3: The Filial Duty of Feudal Princes

A high official expresses filial duty by serving the ruler with loyalty and bringing peace to the people.

Chapter 4

Filial Duty, Chapter 4: The Filial Duty of High Officers

A noble (scholar-official) practices filial duty by maintaining integrity and not shaming his parents.

Chapter 5

Filial Duty, Chapter 5: The Filial Duty of the Literary Class

An ordinary person practices filial duty by supporting parents, working diligently, and nurturing the body.

Chapter 6

Filial Duty, Chapter 6: The Filial Duty of Common People

A son's filial duty begins with serving parents, extends to serving the ruler, and culminates in establishing oneself.

Chapter 7

Filial Duty, Chapter 7: The Three Powers

A younger brother practices filial duty by respecting elders and maintaining harmony within the family.

Chapter 8

Filial Duty, Chapter 8: Filial Duty in Government

Serving the ruler with loyalty and dignity is the proper expression of filial duty for an official.

Chapter 9

Filial Duty, Chapter 9: Government by the Sage

Serving fellow officials with respect and cooperation fulfills the social dimension of filial duty.

Chapter 10

Filial Duty, Chapter 10: The Filial Duty of a Son

Serving under the Emperor requires utmost loyalty, reverence, and care not to bring shame to one's parents.

Chapter 11

Filial Duty, Chapter 11: The Five Punishments

A noble maintains the family's reputation through virtuous conduct and proper observance of ritual.

Chapter 12

Filial Duty, Chapter 12: Amplification of the Important Doctrine

This chapter amplifies the central doctrine that filial duty is the root of all virtuous action.

Chapter 13

Filial Duty, Chapter 13: Amplification of the Highest Virtue

The proper way of serving the ruler combines loyalty, remonstrance with respect, and constant devotion.

Chapter 14

Filial Duty, Chapter 14: Amplification of Raising the Reputation

Serving fellow officials requires sincerity, respect, and harmonious cooperation in public duty.

Chapter 15

Filial Duty, Chapter 15: The Question of Remonstrance

Serving under the Emperor demands the highest standard of loyalty, wisdom, and self-discipline.

Chapter 16

Filial Duty, Chapter 16: The Influence and Fruit of Filial Piety

A son's daily conduct—in bearing, speech, and action—must never bring shame or harm to his parents.

Chapter 17

Filial Duty, Chapter 17: Serving the Sovereign

The transformation of the people through filial example demonstrates the moral power of virtuous leadership.

Chapter 18

Filial Duty, Chapter 18: Mourning for One's Parents

Mourning for parents requires deep grief, proper ritual observance, and a three-year period of remembrance.