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Han Feizi – Chapter 14.1
Han Feizi warns ministers flatter rulers to gain power. Without strict checks, cliques form, loyalty fades, and rulers fall.
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Confucius
Confucius (551–479 BC) was a thinker, statesman, and educator of the late Spring and Autumn period, as well as the founder of the Confucian school of thought. Born Kong Qiu, with the courtesy name Zhongni, he was a native of Zouyi in the State of Lu (located in present-day southeast Qufu, Shandong Province).
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The Classic of Poetry
The Classic of Poetry (also translates to Book of Songs, Book of Poetry) is China’s earliest existing anthology of poetry. Originally titled Shi (Poetry), it was canonized as a Confucian classic during the Han Dynasty, hence the title Classic of Poetry (Shijing). Compiled in the Spring and Autumn period and traditionally believed to have…
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Han Feizi – Chapter 13.3
Han Feizi Chapter 13.3 continues the jade allegory, stressing Legalist reformers face harsh persecution. True statecraft must overcome elite resistance.
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Han Feizi – Chapter 13.2
Han Feizi extends the jade metaphor: legal statecraft, like raw jade, is valuable yet opposed. Rulers must back reformers against elites.