子游问孝章

论语 > 为政篇

原文

子游问孝，子曰：“今之孝者，是谓能养。至于犬马，皆能有养。不敬，何以别乎？”

英译

Tzu Yu consulted Confucius about the principle of filial piety, and Confucius replied, "Nowadays, people consider performing the duty of satisfying their parents with material supports to be accomplishing the practice of filial piety. However, even pets and livestocks enjoy material supports from their masters. Without a sense of honor and respect in behavior, what's the difference between the conduct of such duties?"