Confucius taught that filial piety is the root from which all virtues grow. One who learns to serve parents with respect and devotion develops the character necessary for harmonious social relations. The practice begins with caring for aging parents, includes honoring their memory after death, and extends to bringing honor to the family name through ethical conduct.
The Classic of Filial Piety elaborates: "The body, hair, and skin are received from parents; not daring to damage them is the beginning of filial piety. Establishing oneself in the practice of the Way, behaving one's name to later generations, and thereby glorifying one's parents is the completion of filial piety."
Critics have questioned whether filial piety demands unthinking obedience. Confucian texts clarify that genuine filial piety sometimes requires respectfully remonstrating with parents who err, prioritizing their true welfare over mere compliance.
This principle profoundly shaped East Asian culture, influencing family structure, education, governance, and social values for millennia.
Source
Analects and Classic of Filial Piety - Confucius