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

Translation

CHAPTER III

THE FILIAL DUTY OF FEUDAL PRINCES

Any man will be secure in his position, however high it may be, if he

does not behave himself in a haughty manner; and will be ever able to

keep his wealth if he is frugal and careful in his expenses.

When he is able to secure himself in his high position, he can, of

course, remain unimpaired in his dignity; and where he can keep his

wealth, he will always remain rich. Having placed himself in a position

of honour, and secured the possession of his wealth, he will be able to

protect his country and further the welfare of his people. This is the

filial duty of a feudal Prince.

In the Shih Ching it is thus written: “Be careful as though you were

standing upon the brink of a high precipice or treading on thin ice.”

Practical Reading

For those serving in high office, filial duty is expressed through loyalty and the ability to bring stability to the people. The chapter connects personal virtue with public competence.

A practical question: does your work serve something larger than yourself? When career demands pull you away from family, consider how you might integrate rather than separate the two. The text suggests that true service to parents and to the public need not be in tension—each reinforces the other when grounded in sincerity.