Embracing Filial Piety in a Modern World
In this season of gratitude, as we gather around tables adorned with festive feasts, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the essence of filial piety, a cornerstone of Chinese culture. While tradition emphasizes putting parents first, the landscape of communication between generations has evolved, presenting new challenges.
In our pursuit of modernity, we often find a widening gap in understanding between parents and their children. This Thanksgiving, let’s draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher.
Once Socrates noticed that Lamprocles was increasingly irritable with Xanthippe, his mother. Recognizing the need for a heart-to-heart conversation, Socrates decided to employ the Socratic method to enhance his son’s relationship with her.
Socrates initiated the dialogue by asking Lamprocles about the meaning of the term “ungrateful.” Lamprocles responded, noting that someone is considered ungrateful if they fail to express gratitude despite being treated well. Establishing this as common ground, Socrates delved deeper, questioning whether ingratitude might be acceptable towards enemies but not friends. Lamprocles rejected this notion, asserting that regardless of friendship or enmity, gratitude should be shown to anyone who has done a favor.
Socrates then redirected the conversation toward the unparalleled favor bestowed by parents on their children. Emphasizing the sacrifices parents make, he highlighted the physical and emotional burdens mothers endure, risking their lives during childbirth. Despite this, Lamprocles remained unconvinced, citing his mother’s temper as a significant obstacle.
Socrates posed an intriguing question, asking whether it’s harder to bear with a mother’s ferocity than that of a wild beast. Lamprocles, acknowledging his mother’s intense demeanor, struggled to reconcile her actions with the lack of physical harm. Socrates, steering the conversation, questioned whether Lamprocles had ever been injured by his mother physically, and when the answer was negative, Socrates emphasized the reciprocal nature of their relationship.
The dialogue took an unexpected turn when Socrates compared listening to Xanthippe’s words to actors in tragedies hurling insults at each other. Lamprocles, distinguishing between real intent and theatrical performance, argued that his mother’s words were not mere make-believe. Socrates, unveiling his true intent, reminded Lamprocles that, despite Xanthippe’s anger, it was not devoid of good intentions but rooted in her love for him.
Socrates emphasized Xanthippe’s continuous care for Lamprocles during sickness, her prayers for his well-being, and her genuine desire to help him. He concluded that, ultimately, it is not the sharpness of words but the true underlying intentions that should concern us. Lamprocles, acknowledging his mother’s positive intentions, found solace in understanding that her bluster was akin to the actors’ staged conflicts.
In this heartfelt conversation, Socrates guided his son towards appreciating the true essence of gratitude and the underlying intentions of his mother’s actions. This Thanksgiving, let us draw inspiration from this wisdom, cherishing the imperfect yet unwavering love of our parents.
A Thanksgiving Reflection: Gratitude towards Our Parents
Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2023/11/17/a-thanksgiving-reflection-be-grateful-to-your-parents/
#ThanksgivingReflection #Grateful #Parents #Socrates
Source: https://donaldrobertson.name/2018/03/30/parenting-what-socrates-said/
Peace LiLy 