Master You said, “Those who in private life behave well towards their parents and elder brothers, in public life seldom show a disposition to resist the authority of their superiors. And as for such men starting a revolution, no instance of it has ever occurred. It is upon the trunk that a gentleman works. When that is firmly set up, the Dao grows. And surely proper behaviour towards parents and elder brothers is the trunk of Goodness?”
有子曰：「其為人也孝弟，而好犯上者，鮮矣；不好犯上，而好作亂者，未之有也。君子務本，本立而道生。孝弟也者，其為仁之本與！」
Notes
This passage from The Analects features Youzi (a disciple of Confucius) expounding on Confucian thought. It centers on the relationship between filial piety and fraternal duty and the path of benevolence, establishing the logical foundation for the Confucian ethical framework: “self-cultivation >> family harmony >> state governance.”
Filial Piety and Fraternal Duty: The roots of human goodness
Confucianism views filial piety as children’s innate gratitude toward parents and fraternal duty as the natural affection between siblings. These emotions represent humanity’s most fundamental “innate goodness.” By practicing them, one cultivates reverence (respect for elders) and deference (adherence to rightful order), forming the bedrock of moral development.
From family harmony to state governance: Extending order
Youzi directly links family ethics to social order. This logic stems from the Confucian concept of “family-state homology” — the family mirrors society, where parent-child and sibling relationships parallel ruler-subject dynamics. Thus, practicing filial piety and fraternal duty at home underpins societal stability.
The Root of Benevolence
Benevolence is Confucianism’s highest moral ideal. Youzi argues that filial piety and fraternal duty form the “root” of benevolence: if one lacks love for parents and siblings, genuine care for others is impossible. Here, “root” symbolizes a tree’s foundation — only with deep roots can the path of benevolence (branches and leaves) grow and flourish.
Controversy and Reflection
Historically, this binding of family ethics to social order has been interpreted as endorsing hierarchical systems, potentially demanding absolute obedience to authority. Modern perspectives urge dialectical evaluation: while filial piety and fraternal duty emphasize affection and responsibility, “not defying superiors” and “not inciting chaos” should stem from consent to just order, not blind submission to tyranny.
Leave a Reply