SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.12

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from “Explanation Four” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers must break group‑report cover‑ups and conduct one‑on‑one inquiries. Free from powerful ministers’ manipulation and herd conformity, rulers can perceive truth and make sound strategic decisions.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.11

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from “Explanation Three” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Rewards and praise are the ruler’s sharpest weapons. Generous and trustworthy incentives let rulers manipulate human nature, urging subjects to overcome innate fears and turn the weak into fearless warriors.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.10

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Explanation Two in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I, elaborating on “Canon Two: Certain Punishment”. Deterrence lies not in cruelty but in the certainty of penalty. Only when violations bring unavoidable consequences can the law establish its inviolable authority.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.9

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    Juan

    This excerpt comes from Explanation One in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. It states rulers must never rely on a single information source. Multi‑party cross‑checks should break ministers’ information monopoly. Otherwise, the ruler will be deceived by confidants and reduced to a manipulated puppet.

  • 三人成虎 (sān rén chéng hǔ)

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    Ana

    Basic Info Chinese Idiom: 三人成虎Pinyin: sān rén chéng hǔLiteral Meaning: Three people claiming there is a tiger creates belief in a tiger.Figurative Meaning: False reports, rumors or hearsay, when repeated over and over by multiple people, will gradually convince others to treat them as truth. Cultural & historical background This story comes from the…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.8

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Canon Seven: Reversed Speech in Han Feizi. Han Fei advises rulers to feign appearances and speak ironically to probe suspects. By laying bait deliberately, the ruler lures suspicious figures into traps, forcing their treacherous true intentions to surface.