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Han Feizi – Chapter 19.5
This Han Feizi passage stresses public-private separation. Rulers must enforce strict laws and rewards/punishments, curbing private favors to maintain order.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 19.4
This Han Feizi passage argues strict law strengthens states, while weak law leads to decline. Law, like a mirror, must be impartial, above personal wit.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 19.3
This Han Feizi passage stresses strict rewards and punishments. Petty loyalty harms state interests; law must prevail over personal affection.
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Wò Xīn Cháng Dǎn (卧薪尝胆)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 卧薪尝胆Pinyin: wò xīn cháng dǎnLiteral Meaning: Sleep on firewood and taste bitter gallbladder.Figurative Meaning: Endure hardships and humbly endure setbacks to encourage oneself, strive hard to achieve ambitions and avenge humiliation.
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Wén Jī Qǐ Wǔ (闻鸡起舞)
Basic Info Chinese Idiom: 闻鸡起舞Pinyin: wén jī qǐ wǔLiteral meaning: Rise to practice sword-dancing upon hearing roosters crow.Extended meaning: Ambitious people seize every moment to strive hard and temper themselves for lofty goals. Cultural Supplement This idiom comes from a famous inspirational historical story, Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition, in ancient China. It has always…
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Han Feizi – Chapter 19.2
Han Feizi rejects superstition and foreign alliances. He argues states thrive only through clear laws and self-reliance, as Goujian’s story shows.