Filial Duty, Chapter 14: Amplification of Raising the Reputation

Translation

CHAPTER XIV

AMPLIFICATION OF “RAISING THE REPUTATION”

Confucius said: “A true gentleman is always filial to his parents, and

in order to fulfil his duty to them to the fullest extent, he also

serves his August Master with patriotism. He always shows reverence

to his elder brothers, and in order to fulfil his duty to them to the

fullest extent, he does the same towards every one who is older than he.

“As he can maintain order in his family affairs, so he can do the same

in the government. He bases the principle of the government of a State

upon that of a ruling family, and the consequent success will make his

name to be remembered throughout generations to come.”

Practical Reading

Serving fellow officials requires sincerity, respect, and harmonious cooperation in public duty. The chapter pushes back against the idea that workplace relationships are merely transactional.

A practical discipline: when friction arises with a colleague, ask first whether the problem is a misunderstanding that patience could resolve. The text assumes that most conflict is not inevitable—it is often the product of haste, pride, or failure of attention. Filial duty, extended into the workplace, means bringing the same patience you practice at home into your professional relationships.