The Piety reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Piety

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Piety is a desire and willingness to perform religious duties. It is a traditional virtue because religion is the only known way to win the favor or forgiveness of deities, that is, to "propitiate" them. A pious person will, in this way, do well in life.

See also: Virtue, filial piety