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

Translation

CHAPTER X

THE FILIAL DUTY OF A SON

Confucius said: “A filial son has five duties to perform to his

parents: (1) He must venerate them in daily life. (2) He must try to

make them happy in every possible way, especially when the meal is

served. (3) He must take extra care of them when they are sick. (4) He

ought to show great sorrow for them when they are dead. (5) He must

offer sacrifices to his deceased parents with the utmost solemnity. If

he fulfils these duties, then he can be considered as having done what

ought to be done by a son.”

A son ought not to feel proud of the high position he occupies, ought

not to show dissatisfaction with his inferior position to that of

others, and ought not to act against the natural feeling of the public.

If he is proud and haughty when he is a high official, he will soon

bring ruin upon himself and his family; if he feels dissatisfied with

his lower position, he may be led to do illegal acts; and if he does

anything contrary to the public feeling, he will probably be the

object of attacks. Having thus wronged himself, he cannot be considered

as a filial son, although he treats his parents every day to luxurious

meals.

Practical Reading

Serving under the Emperor requires the utmost loyalty, reverence, and care not to bring shame to one's parents. The chapter emphasizes that high office brings high visibility—your conduct is no longer private.

The modern parallel: as you advance in any career, your actions become more visible. The question is not whether you will be observed, but whether what others see will reflect well on your upbringing. Filial duty, understood this way, is a continuing source of professional integrity.