6．Filial Piety

In general terms, filial piety means to be good to one's parents; to take care of one's parents; to engage in good conduct not just towards parents but also outside the home so as to bring a good name to one's parents and ancestors.

Filial piety is considered the first virtue in Chinese culture, and it is the main concern of a large number of stories. One of the most famous collections of such stories is the Twenty Four Filial Exemplars (二十四孝).

According to the Classic of Filial Piety, Confucius once said,“In serving his parents, a filial son reveres them in daily life; he makes them happy while he nourishes them; he takes anxious care of them in sickness; he shows great sorrow over their death; and he sacrifices to them with solemnity.”

The positive role of the culture about filial piety in Chinese ancient society consists of moral education, stabilization and national cohesion.