If whatever pleases my parents is fair and reasonable, I will try my best to attain it for them.⁶ If something displeases my parents, if within reason⁷ I will cautiously keep it away from them. When my body is hurt, my  parents will be worried. If my virtues⁸ are compromised, my parents will feel ashamed. When I have loving parents, it is not difficult to be dutiful to them. But if I can be dutiful to parents who hate me, only then will I meet the standards of the saints and sages for being a dutiful child.

6 If what pleases my parents is illegitimate or unreasonable, I should tactfully dissuade my parents, and tell them the reasons that they should not have it.

7 I should lead my parents to proper views and understanding of things.

8 Virtues are standards and principles of one’s conduct. In China a man’s conduct is ruled by “Wu Chang” (五常) and “Ba De” (八德) . Wu Chang are the five moral principles: kindheartedness (仁) , duties and obligations (義) , proper etiquette (禮) , wisdom (智) , and trustworthiness (信) . Ba De are the eight virtues: duty to parents (孝) , respect for elders (悌) , loyalty (忠) , credibility (信) , proper etiquette (禮) , duties and obligations (義) , a sense of honor (廉) , and a sense of shame (恥) .