# II explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## What happens

The philosopher Yû discusses the importance of filial piety and fraternal submission as the root of all benevolent actions, emphasizing that those who are filial and fraternal are unlikely to offend against their superiors or stir up confusion. The superior man focuses on what is fundamental, allowing all practical courses to naturally develop.

## Themes in this chapter

### Filial Piety

Yû Zo asserts that filial piety and fraternal submission are the root of all benevolent actions.

### The Superior Man

The superior man is described as one who bends his attention to what is radical, establishing the foundation for all practical courses.

## Character check-ins

### Yû Zo

The philosopher Yû speaks on filial piety and fraternal submission as the root of virtue.

## Key lines

> They are few who, being filial and fraternal, are fond of offending against their superiors.

People who are respectful to their parents and elders rarely have a tendency to rebel against those above them.

_Yû Zo connects family virtues with social order._

> The superior man bends his attention to what is radical. That being established, all practical courses naturally grow up.

The exemplary person focuses on the fundamental principles, and from that foundation, all proper behaviors naturally emerge.

_Emphasizes the importance of rooting oneself in core virtues._

> Filial piety and fraternal submission!—are they not the root of all benevolent actions?

Are not filial piety and respect for elders the very foundation of all goodness?

_Yû Zo declares these family virtues as the source of all benevolence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters