SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.9

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    Juan

    This excerpt comes from Explanation One in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. It states rulers must never rely on a single information source. Multi‑party cross‑checks should break ministers’ information monopoly. Otherwise, the ruler will be deceived by confidants and reduced to a manipulated puppet.

  • 三人成虎 (sān rén chéng hǔ)

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    Ana

    Basic Info Chinese Idiom: 三人成虎Pinyin: sān rén chéng hǔLiteral Meaning: Three people claiming there is a tiger creates belief in a tiger.Figurative Meaning: False reports, rumors or hearsay, when repeated over and over by multiple people, will gradually convince others to treat them as truth. Cultural & historical background This story comes from the…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.8

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Canon Seven: Reversed Speech in Han Feizi. Han Fei advises rulers to feign appearances and speak ironically to probe suspects. By laying bait deliberately, the ruler lures suspicious figures into traps, forcing their treacherous true intentions to surface.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.7

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    Juan

    Classic VI: Asking While Knowing the Answer (Testing with Known Facts) If a ruler asks questions while already possessing the knowledge of the truth, those who are dishonest will be exposed; if a ruler thoroughly understands one specific matter, all hidden treacheries will be transformed. The proof of this lies in Marquis Zhao clutching…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.6

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Canon Five: Deceptive Commands in Han Feizi. Han Fei contends rulers should employ covert stratagems to create information asymmetry and psychological suspense. Keeping ministers guessing about his true intentions compels them to expose themselves and suspect one another, deterring reckless conduct.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.5

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from “Canon Four: Individual Hearing” in Han Feizi. Rulers must hear ministers individually and hold them accountable. Breaking group‑report cover‑ups distinguishes genuine talent from impostors, eliminating officials’ opportunities to form cliques and mislead the sovereign.