Central to the Confucian understanding of a good life and a good society was the notion of “filial piety.” It was a concept that defined relationships between social inferiors and superiors, beginning in the family and extending to the larger arena of state and society. The Classic of Filial Piety, composed around 200 B.C.E., gave this fundamental Chinese value an enduring expression. “Our body, skin, and hair are all received from our parents,” the text declared. “We dare not injure them. This is the first priority in filial duty. To establish oneself in the world and practice the Way; to uphold one’s good name for posterity and give glory to one’s father and mother — this is the completion of filial duty. Thus filiality begins with service to parents, continues in service to the ruler, and?ends with establishing oneself in the world [and becoming an exemplary person].”1 Reissued many times over many centuries, this text was accompanied by images illustrating the concept. Source 4.2 is an example of one such image, showing a good son and his wife honoring the son’s parents, while two children at the bottom right observe the scene.

Questions to consider as you examine the source:

Filial Piety

Notes