# XXI explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## What happens

Confucius responds to a questioner who asks why he is not engaged in government. He cites the Shu-ching on filial piety, explaining that being filial and discharging brotherly duties are themselves a form of government, so there is no need to hold an official position.

## Themes in this chapter

### Filial Piety

Confucius directly links filial piety and brotherly duties to the exercise of government.

### Virtuous Governance

The chapter suggests that virtuous personal conduct is a form of governance, not limited to official positions.

## Character check-ins

### Confucius

Quotes the Shu-ching to explain that filial piety and brotherly duties constitute government.

## Key lines

> What does the Shu-ching say of filial piety?—'You are filial, you discharge your brotherly duties. These qualities are displayed in government.'

The Shu-ching teaches that being filial and fulfilling brotherly duties are themselves acts of government.

_Confucius uses this quotation to argue that personal virtue is a form of political participation._

## Links

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