Filial Piety By: Leo Age: 8 Dictated to: Stella Age : 9 1/2

(This is a paragraph Leo wrote on filial piety. He got this Confucian saying from his history book:)
"Nowadays, to provide for parents is considered filial piety. But dogs and horses are so provided. Without respect, what is the difference?"

Leo's Report on this saying:

Everyday you throw hay to an animal. What is the difference between this care and respect and honoring your parents? When you throw hay to a horse it is not respect. Real respect consists of loving; it is not just caring for everyday needs. In a book I've been studying there is an apprentice who shows a very good example of filial piety. (Title: Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze.) He cares for his mother with genuine love and care. This boy was living in China. The children in China were taught to honor their parents, and wake up early, beat blankets, sweep the court, and prepare breakfast. That is real respect. I think respect is important not only because GOD commands us to honor our parents, but because God has put our parents over us. In these days it is starting to look like filial piety is out of date, but really it is as important now as it was in Ancient China.