Meng Wu asked about the treatment of parents. The Master said, “Behave in such a way that your father and mother have no anxiety about you, except concerning your health.”
孟武伯問孝。子曰：「父母唯其疾之憂。」
Notes
This concise interpretation of filial piety from the Analects by Confucius addressed Meng Wu’s specific status and character. Though seemingly simple, it reveals a profound understanding: True filial piety means parents worry only about their children’s physical illnesses — never about their moral conduct or behavior.
Meng Wu, son of Meng Yizi, belonged to Lu’s aristocratic elite. As a young noble prone to presumption born of privilege, Confucius’ response carried a subtle admonition.
Such contextual precision exemplifies Confucius’ pedagogical wisdom: tailoring the facets of filial piety to the learner’s needs.
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