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Primary sourceBook1908

The Book of Filial Duty

Confucius (attributed); translated by Ivan Chên · 1908

An English translation of the Classic of Filial Piety, a text attributed to Confucius teaching respect for family.

This text, attributed to Confucius, teaches the value of filial piety that he is remembered for promoting.

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About this source

What it is

This is a 1908 English translation by Ivan Chên of the Hsiao Ching, or Classic of Filial Piety, a short Chinese text traditionally attributed to Confucius. It was published as part of the Wisdom of the East series, aimed at introducing Asian philosophy to Western readers, and includes twenty-four traditional examples of filial devotion.

Why it matters

The text shows how central the idea of respect for parents and family was to Confucian thought, and how such teachings shaped Chinese society for centuries. Its translation and publication in London reflect early twentieth-century Western interest in Chinese philosophy.

Look closer

  • Why might filial duty be considered so important in Confucian teaching?
  • What does the choice to translate this text for a Western audience tell us about the publisher's goals?
  • How might the twenty-four examples be used to teach children proper behaviour?

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