Abstract：In the rich theory system of Confucianism，filial piety is regarded as the “The first of all virtues”.The essay dwells on the analysis of filial piety .Since Filial piety is taught in order that man may respect all those who are fathers in the world and brotherliness is taught in the younger brother in order that man may respect all those who are elder brothers in the world，this helps to achieve a harmonious society.

Key Words：Confucianism filial piety

Confucianism，developed on the basis of the thinking of the ancient Chinese sage is an important component of the world’s cultural heritage.The core of Confucian thought is the rule of society through the dissemination of moral values.Confucius wanted to moralize life and society.To him，the height of a moral society is the observance of a code of conduct （Li） and that of a moral man is benevolence or humanness （Ren）.Although two thousand and fifty years have passed，the effect of Confucianism is still taking great effect.

Why is filial piety placed as the first of all virtues？ Does this have other meanings？ In fact，Confucius meant that the “moral training in the family as the basis for general moral training and

he planned that from the general moral training a society should emerge which would live happily and harmoniously together. ”

Confucius said ： “The reason why the gentleman teaches filial piety is not because it is to be seen in the home and everyday life .He teaches filial piety in order that man may respect all those who are fathers in the world.He teaches brotherliness in the younger brother，in order that man may respect all those who are elder brothers in the world.He teaches the duty of the subject，in order that man may respect all who are rulers in the world.” So，he said to Tsengtse （his disciple）： “Filial piety is the basis of virtue，and the origin of culture.To do the right thing and walk according to the right morals，thus leaving a good name in posterity，in order to glorify one’s ancestors： this is the culmination of filial piety.Filial piety begins with serving one’s parents，leads to serving one’s king，and ends in establishing one’s character...”

From these words，we can see clearly the moral training in the family is the beginning which leads to social education and self-realization.Two essential words can be extracted： relationship and harmony.They are still very important today.

Relationships between king and subject，between father and son，between husband and wife，and those between brothers and between friends are called “five cardinal human relationships.” What are the similarities and differences of certain relationships compared to those nowadays？

1 The elder and the younger

This can refer to grandparents to sons and grandchildren，elder brother/sister to younger ones.Confucian thought that age brought more wisdom.Actually，older people are respected in today’s society and most young people understand that they have more useful experience.However，as most families in China now are nuclear families，the child holds more responsibility.In the modern society，fierce competition and quick life rhythm have put heavy pressure upon modern people.They need someone about their age to talk with .Fraternal devotion fills up this gap.

2 Friends and others

The ideal moral character for Confucius was “the gentleman”.The most important virtue of the gentle man is Ren （humanity and benevolence）.He said： “Benevolence is a virtue； as long as you bring it into full play，others can feel the spirit.” This is supported and is still taking great effect in today’s society.Trustworthy，understanding and helpful is much concerned with friendship.

3 Superior and subordinates

In the “five cardinal human relationships”，the first one is between king and subject.Now，the society is democratic.But the superior and the inferior always exist.Take teachers and students for example： Confucius gave supreme position to the teachers.Now，most teachers still take the dominant position in class.Students are obedient to teachers’ words.The deference to superiors is engrained in people’s minds.

All the relationships Confucius proposed help to achieve “harmony” which has been tried by time and history.Today，we are still supportive to construct a harmonious society.

Filial piety and fraternal devotion helps to harmonize the relationship in a family which in turn create an ordered social system.Now China has a huge population and diversified nationalities.Harmony brings unity which in turn brings strength.We can not imagine if this harmony is destroyed.

In a word，Confucius ideas are ageless and worth the attention of the whole world.

Notes： Xu Yingguo， An Anthology of Chinese American Literature ，Nankai University Press，27. Xu Yingguo， 28.

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作者简介

朱姝姝，女，现任职于：上海外国语大学贤达经济人文学院，讲师，研究方向：跨文化交际。