THE FILIAL DUTY OF THE LITERARY CLASS
From the manner in which we should treat our father we learn how to
treat our mother. The love toward them is the same. From the manner
in which we should treat our father we also learn how to serve our
August Master. The respect shown to them is the same. To our mother
we show love, to our August Master respect, while to our father, both
love and respect. If we can serve our August Master with such feelings
as we have toward our father, then loyalty is shown; and if we treat
venerable persons with respect, then harmony will reign in the circle
of our life. Not failing to treat the August Master with loyalty and
the venerable with respect, we shall be able to make ourselves secure
in our high position and to offer sacrifices to our ancestors for ever.
This is the filial duty of the Literati. So in the _Shih Ching_ it is
written: “Do not do anything in the course of a day which will reflect
dishonour upon your ancestors.”