SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Art of Seeing Through People

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    Rob

    This article unpacks Han Feizi’s Legalist principles of “shu”, “examine reality against its name” and cross-checking. It advocates verifying claims via real world conduct rather than mere words for everyday personal and professional interactions.

  • The Ancient Chinese Art of Calling Someone’s Bluff

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    Rob

    This article interprets Han‑Feizi’s “xún míng zé shí” (name‑reality checking) via the spear and shield fable. It applies this Legalist accountability principle to everyday scenarios and serves to judge whether a person deceives you.

  • 自相矛盾 (Zì xiāng máo dùn)

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    Ana

    This page unpacks the Chinese idiom “Zì xiāng máo dùn” (self‑contradiction) from Han Feizi. It tells the spear‑and‑shield fable, explains its figurative sense, cultural influence and corresponding English expressions.

  • The Wagon‑Maker and the Coffin-Maker

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    Rob

    This article unpacks Han‑Feizi’s famous carriage make and coffin maker parable. It compares his interest‑centered insight with Adam Smith, warning people’s motives are shaped by self‑interest rather than inherent goodness or malice.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 55

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    Juan

    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter55 (Defining Divisions) stresses sharp, impartial reward‑punishment distinctions. It advocates collective‑liability surveillance to uncover hidden deceit and prioritizes impersonal institutional systems over fallible individual judgment or hollow reputations.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 54

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    Juan

    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 54 (Mind‑Measure) holds punishment serves public welfare. It stresses laws must adapt to eras, prioritize agriculture‑military power, block private cliques, and rely on state institutions rather than external conditions to achieve kingship.