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Han Feizi – Chapter 29.1
This excerpt is from Han Feizi · The Grand Outline. It discusses how rulers follow natural laws and grasp state‑governing fundamentals. Drawing on grand imagery, Han Fei argues a wise sovereign avoids arbitrary meddling driven by wit and desire. Instead, he establishes objective laws conforming to nature. Optimal governance brings peaceful order with no…
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Han Feizi – Chapter 28.2
This excerpt comes from Han Feizi · Achievements, a pivotal chapter on the decisive role of political authority in governance. Through metaphors like short trees on high mountains, ships carrying immense weight and the contrast between Yao and Jie, Han Fei argues personal talent and virtue are secondary to positional power. Rulers must consolidate…
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Han Feizi – Chapter 28.1
This excerpt is from Han Feizi · Achievements. It outlines four objective conditions for rulers to attain great feats. Rejecting Confucian over‑reliance on royal personal virtue, Han Fei puts forward a core political‑philosophical view: a ruler’s success hinges not merely on talent or morality, but on conforming to timing, public will, expertise and authority.…
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事半功倍 (shì bàn gōng bèi)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 事半功倍Pinyin: shì bàn gōng bèiLiteral Meaning: Half the effort, double the results. Figurative definition To achieve great outcomes with minimal expenditure of time, energy or labor; to work efficiently and get amplified returns. Cultural & historical background This idiom comes from the ancient Confucian philosopher Mencius, in the chapter Gongsun…
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火眼金睛 (huǒ yǎn jīn jīng)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 火眼金睛Pinyin: huǒ yǎn jīn jīngLiteral Meaning: Fiery golden eyes. Figurative definition Extraordinarily sharp insight; the ability to see through tricks, disguises and false appearances, and detect hidden truths. Cultural & historical background This idiom originates from Yang Jingxian’s Journey to the West, a Yuan‑dynasty theatrical script. In the legend, Sun…
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Han Feizi – Chapter 27.8
This excerpt comes from Han Feizi · Employing People, a key chapter on forestalling disasters and the perils of pursuing distant solutions. Using vivid metaphors such as patching a crumbling house and distant water for a nearby fire, Han Fei argues that rulers should eliminate internal risks and employ nearby talents. Neglecting fundamentals brings…