Analects · Chapter
XXI explained
Confucius responds to a questioner who asks why he is not engaged in government.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when Confucius directly confronts Yû with a list of six virtues—benevolence, knowled…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- Confucius
Quotes the Shu-ching to explain that filial piety and brotherly duties constitute government.
Key passages
“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.
