Chinese Lit

Occasional Paper No.2

Chinese Family Values and Relationships

If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parents, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere - although men say that he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has. - The Confucian Analects

Traditional Chinese family values have been largely focused on the Confucian values of familial devotion, ancestor respect, and doing one’s duty within the family. Filial piety is considered the first virtue in Chinese culture. China has always had an assortment of religious beliefs; filial piety has been common to almost all of them. Children should obey their parents to show respect. This is not only common in China but also to other countries in the world. From the quotation of Confucius, it is also stated there that through good deeds a person he could exert his outmost strength and with that, that person learns.

Confucius stated that filial sons nowadays are people who see to it that their parents get enough to eat. This filial piety in Chinese tradition is common with boys. They tend to work as early as their age for their parents. The money that they would earn would be for their food and expenses. This tradition is pleasing that shows love of son to his parents and willingness to do things that would help them with their daily lives. This deed that Chinese sons do also shows respect not only with their parents but also to their tradition.

“Take things as the come and go.” – Lao Tzu, All Things Pass

Families encounter problems, and these things sometimes lead to depression. In Taoism, they believe that people should go with the flow of life, and with that people tend to face their problems boldly. Families have the courage that would empower them to elucidate different scuffles in their lives.

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