 Feelings and emotions are discussed in many passages of the Analects. Confucius believes that having appropriate emotional states is essential in cultivating and perfecting ideal virtues. True filial piety, according to him, is not just one’s behavior of supporting one’s parents but sincere respect and care for them (Analects, 2.7). What distinguishes true filial piety from a mere act of fulfilling one’s duty to serve one’s parents is this inner state of sincere love for one’s parents. When Fanzi asked about ren (benevolence, the central virtue of Confucianism), Confucius answered that ren is to love others (Analects, 12.22). When Lin Fang asked about ritual propriety, Confucius states that 