Thus, for Confucius, the family, with its brotherly and sisterly love and respect for parents, was the most important thing of all.

所以孔子认为家庭，兄弟姊妹之间的爱，对父母的尊敬，这些是整个生活中最重要的东西。

He called it 'the root of humanity'.

他称它们为“人性的根”。

However, he didn't mean that respect and obedience should be shown only by a subject to his ruler, and not the other way round as well.

但是他的意思并不是尊敬和忠诚只应该表现在臣民对统治者，反之就不必了。

On the contrary, Confucius and his disciples often came up against obstinate princes, and would usually tell them exactly what they thought of them.

相反，孔子和他的弟子们频频会见不服从的诸侯并通常都竭力向他们宣扬这个看法，

For a prince must take the lead in observing the forms.

因为诸侯必须带头遵守这些礼节。

He must demonstrate a father's love in providing for his people and deal with them justly.

他必须履行父爱、关心他的臣民，公正地对待他们。

If he neglects to do so, and brings suffering on his subjects, then it serves him right if they rise up and overthrow him.

如果他做不到这一点，让他的臣民们受苦，那么人民推翻他便完全是他罪有应得。

So taught Confucius and his followers.

孔子和他的弟子们这样教导说。

For a prince's first duty was to be an example to all who lived in his kingdom.

因为诸侯的首要职责是当他的全国居民的榜样。