SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Mind Your Own Business

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    Rob

    This article draws on Han Feizi’s fables, including the rooster‑cat metaphor and Duke Zhao of Han’s story. It advocates strict functional boundaries: avoid encroaching on others’ roles to prevent blurred accountability in daily life scenarios.

  • Why “Being a Good Person” Is Not Enough

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    Rob

    This article explains Han Feizi’s “Two Handles” thesis: mere personal goodness and moral appeals cannot sustain authority. Reliable governance requires institutional reward‑punishment mechanisms, applicable to management, parenting and personal relationships.

  • 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.