The central tenet of East Asian cultures, particularly in Confucianism, involves profound respect, obedience, and care for one’s parents and ancestors. This concept dictates that children should honor their parents throughout their lives, supporting them in old age, performing rituals after their death, and remembering them in subsequent generations. An example would be a son foregoing personal ambitions to care for his aging mother and father according to their wishes.
This virtue formed the bedrock of social order and stability in societies influenced by Confucianism. By emphasizing familial harmony and hierarchical relationships, it reinforced traditional values and provided a moral framework for governance. It was believed that a society composed of individuals practicing this virtue would be peaceful and prosperous, contributing to the overall well-being of the state through strong family units.