Respecting Parents: The Essential Value Explored in Confucius' "Analects"

The 'Analects' is a collection of teachings and ideas attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius. In this influential work, Confucius writes about the importance of respecting parents, in his essay this is one of the fundamental virtues in society.

Respecting Parents as an Essential Value

Since we were a child, the word “respect” is being ingrained to us. At first, respecting our parents and elders are being taught to us. After acquiring this virtue, we apply it to ourselves and for other people. Lying is also ingrained to us that it is a sin wherein in circumstances, it is better to tell the truth than hiding it. Whatever we say or do should be true and we must know how to stand with our words even through difficult times. When it comes to our outlook of the world, we must be positive about it. Looking for a brighter side of the circumstances is a good trait. We must also be humane in dealing with other people and remember not to treat anyone in a rude manner because we don’t know the hardships that they are experiencing. After doing all those, we must turn to ourselves and develop what is within us, the character.

Nowadays, people tend to be self-centered that they forgot about their surroundings and their relationships with other people or even their family members. Maintaining good relationships with people and exhibiting good character makes our existence more alive and light. It becomes more of that if we also examine ourselves once in a while to know if we still possess humanistic qualities because paying attention to oneself can resonate in the bonds that we make. For an instance, a child grew up knowing how to respect his parents and elders. Before he speaks, he thinks numerous times, does not fabricate the truth, and knows how to be a person who stand by his words. Not only that, he also developed good relationships with his family and friends, has a positive outlook in life, and treat people gently and respectfully. As a person, he does not forget to develop himself into a better version by having a good mindset and character. All-in-all, he lives by respecting, caring, and loving people around him.

Confucius viewed filial piety as a way to cultivate moral character and foster a harmonious society. He believed that by fulfilling their duties towards their parents, individuals would develop virtues such as loyalty, gratitude, and humility. The 'Analects' teach that respecting and obeying parents is a form of honoring one's ancestry and upholding the values and traditions of one's family. Furthermore, the 'Analects' also highlight the reciprocal nature of the parent-child relationship. Confucius acknowledged that parents have a responsibility to raise and educate their children with love and kindness, just as children have an obligation to care for and support their parents in their old age. This mutual exchange of respect and care fosters a sense of harmony and mutual well-being within the family unit.

Conclusion

To end up the essay about respecting parents, the 'Analects' underscore the significance of respecting parents as a core value in Confucian philosophy. It promotes filial piety as a virtue that not only strengthens familial bonds but also contributes to the moral fabric of society. According to Confucius, by honoring and obeying parents, individuals cultivate virtues, promote social harmony, and uphold the ethical values that form the foundation of a well-ordered community.