SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.5

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    Juan

    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.5 draws on Shen Buhai’s ideas. Through various anecdotes and metaphors, it stresses rulers must keep secrets, hide personal desires and make independent decisions to evade ministerial manipulation.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.4

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    Juan

    This Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.4 Legalist section collects multiple anecdotes. It stresses rulers must eliminate ungovernable threats early and control ministers via power and rewards‑punishments, rather than merely competing through private benevolence.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.3

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    Juan

    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.3 uses metaphors of fierce dogs and altar rats. It argues rulers must endure painful measures, enforce laws above personal feelings and test officials with objective standards.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.2

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    Juan

    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.2 states the ruler is the focal point of interests. Rulers must conceal personal preferences and keep secrets, making independent decisions to avoid manipulation by crafty ministers.

  • The Methods of Shen and Han

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    Ana

    The “Methods of Shen and Han” refers to the statecraft advocated by Shen Buhai and Han Fei, two leading figures of the Legalist school during the Warring States period. Han Fei synthesized Shang Yang’s emphasis on fa (law), Shen Buhai’s focus on shu (statecraft or administrative method), and Shen Dao’s doctrine of shi (power…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.1

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    Juan

    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 34.1 argues rulers should rely on power instead of moral persuasion. Threats should be eliminated early, and ministers controlled, as illustrated by multiple historical metaphors.