It [filial piety] commences with the service of parents; it proceeds to the service of the ruler; it is completed by the establishment of [good] character.

Confucius

The Filial Course

Topic: Family & Friendship

“Now filial piety is the root of all virtue, and the stem out of which grows all moral teaching… Our bodies–to every hair and bit of skin–are received by us from our parents, and we must not presume to injure or wound them: this is the beginning of filial piety. When we have established our character by the practice of the filial course, so as to make our name famous in future ages, and thereby glorify our parents: this is the end of filial piety. It commences with the service of parents; it proceeds to the service of the ruler; it is completed by the establishment of [good] character.“

Confucius

Confucianism
Classic on Filial Piety 1

Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture - a Comparative Anthology of Sacred Texts. Paragon House, 1991, pp. 171-172 [Confucius, Classic on Filial Piety 1].

Confucius