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

Translation

CHAPTER V

THE FILIAL DUTY OF THE LITERARY CLASS

From the manner in which we should treat our father we learn how to

treat our mother. The love toward them is the same. From the manner

in which we should treat our father we also learn how to serve our

August Master. The respect shown to them is the same. To our mother

we show love, to our August Master respect, while to our father, both

love and respect. If we can serve our August Master with such feelings

as we have toward our father, then loyalty is shown; and if we treat

venerable persons with respect, then harmony will reign in the circle

of our life. Not failing to treat the August Master with loyalty and

the venerable with respect, we shall be able to make ourselves secure

in our high position and to offer sacrifices to our ancestors for ever.

This is the filial duty of the Literati. So in the Shih Ching it is

written: “Do not do anything in the course of a day which will reflect

dishonour upon your ancestors.”

Practical Reading

For ordinary people, filial duty is expressed through the steady, unspectacular work of daily life—supporting parents, working diligently, and caring for the body.

There is no requirement here for greatness or public recognition. What matters is consistency: showing up, providing what you can, and treating parents with patience and gratitude. In a culture that often equates worth with achievement, this chapter quietly affirms the dignity of ordinary care.