SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • The Eight Doors Through Which Power Is Quietly Stolen

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    Rob

    This article unpacks Han‑Feizi’s Eight Villainies (Ba Jian). It identifies eight informal power‑stealing channels beyond formal rules, translating these ancient court stratagems for recognizing hidden influence within modern‑day organizations.

  • The Ancient Manual for Not Getting Played

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    Rob

    This article interprets Han Feizi‘s Seven Techniques of shu. It re‑frames these ancient ruler‑oriented tactics for modern life, stressing defensive verification rather than manipulation to avoid deception in work and social interactions.

  • The Ancient Chinese Case Against “Toxic Positivity” at Work

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    Rob

    This article draws on Han Feizi’s Xian Xue to critique manipulative workplace moral rhetoric such as big‑picture thinking, selflessness and gratitude. It advocates cross-checking and verification, judging claims by tangible substance rather than noble‑sounding language.

  • 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.