Fraternal duty is obedience to, and love and respect for one’s elder brother. To observe this, the younger brother must follow an elder brother’s guidance and orders. Fraternal duty should be rooted in the heartfelt love and respect for an elder brother. Confucians often speak of “fraternal duty” and “filial piety” together, believing that together they are the foundation for cultivating personal moral integrity, and are the basis for maintaining and strengthening family ethics, extending even to the political order.

Youzi said, “Of those who practice filial piety and fraternal duty, few are likely to offend their superiors. Of those who are unlikely to offend their superiors, none have been fond of stirring up trouble. A man of virtue is devoted to the fundamentals of good behavior. That being established, words and deeds are produced in accordance with moral principles. Filial piety and fraternal duty are the basis of benevolence.” (The Analects)

Filial piety is practiced in service of the sovereign. Fraternal duty is practiced in service of elders and senior officials. Kindness is practiced in directing the populace. (The Book of Rites)