SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.15

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Explanation Seven in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers should feign false appearances and use contrary words to probe suspects. Setting lures entraps them and lays bare their treacherous intentions.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.14

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    Juan

    This excerpt comes from Explanation Six in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei holds rulers should confront ministers with confirmed facts. Exposing one lie creates widespread fear of the ruler’s omniscience, restraining all hidden treacherous acts.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.13

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Explanation Five in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Rulers should create informational fog and psychological suspense. By acting mysteriously or diverting attention, they keep ministers guessing, who then dare not slack or deceive out of awe and fear.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.12

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from “Explanation Four” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers must break group‑report cover‑ups and conduct one‑on‑one inquiries. Free from powerful ministers’ manipulation and herd conformity, rulers can perceive truth and make sound strategic decisions.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.11

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from “Explanation Three” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Rewards and praise are the ruler’s sharpest weapons. Generous and trustworthy incentives let rulers manipulate human nature, urging subjects to overcome innate fears and turn the weak into fearless warriors.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.10

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Explanation Two in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I, elaborating on “Canon Two: Certain Punishment”. Deterrence lies not in cruelty but in the certainty of penalty. Only when violations bring unavoidable consequences can the law establish its inviolable authority.