Han Feizi – Chapter 33.2

Classic II

A ruler relies on authority rather than on trustworthiness; therefore Dongguo Ya questioned the appointment of Guan Zhong. A ruler relies on statecraft rather than on trustworthiness; therefore Hun Xuan criticized Duke Wen of Jin. Thus a ruler who possesses statecraft uses certain rewards to bring out men’s abilities and certain punishments to prohibit wrongdoing. Even if his ministers have mixed or questionable conduct, he will still be able to profit from them. This is shown by Lord Jian’s appointing Yang Hu as chief minister, and by Duke Ai’s inquiry about “one leg being enough.”

Note

This Legalist passage from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 33.2 argues rulers should rely on authority and statecraft rather than personal trust. Proper rewards and punishments can make even morally‑questionable ministers serve state interests.

Han Feizi / Han Fei (c. 280–233 BCE):

A major Legalist philosopher. He believes rulers should not depend on moral loyalty, but on laws, rewards, punishments, and administrative control.

Authority and statecraft (势,术):

“Shi” means positional power; “shu” means methods of control, such as verification, supervision, and preventing ministers from deceiving the ruler.

Dongguo Ya (东郭牙):

A minister of Qi. When Duke Huan planned to give Guan Zhong almost unlimited power, Dongguo Ya warned that a man of great ability could become dangerous if unchecked.

Guan Zhong (管仲):

Guan zhong was a famous prime minister of Qi who helped Duke Huan become hegemon. Legalists respect his ability but also warn against giving any minister unchecked authority.

Hun Xuan (浑轩):

A critic of Duke Wen of Jin. He argues that a ruler should not trust a minister’s loyalty, but should make betrayal impossible.

Duke Wen of Jin and Ji Zheng (晋文公, 箕郑):

Duke Wen trusted Ji Zheng because Ji Zheng once preserved food for him during hardship. Hun Xuan says this is naive: rulers need systems, not personal trust.

Lord Jian of Zhao / Zhao Jianzi (赵简子):

A powerful minister of Jin. He appointed Yang Hu despite Yang Hu’s reputation for seizing power, because he believed he could control him.

Yang Hu (阳虎):

A controversial figure from Lu who once dominated politics. Han Fei uses him to show that a dangerous talent can still be useful under strict control.

Duke Ai of Lu (鲁哀公):

A ruler of Lu. His question about “one leg” refers to Kui, a legendary musician said to have only one leg, yet to be sufficient for music. The point is that limited or unusual ability can still serve the state if properly used.

Kui (夔):

A mythical or semi-legendary musician. The phrase “one leg is enough” plays on the ambiguity between “having one leg” and “being sufficient.”