Han Fei explains the Dao as the universal, formless law embracing all specific principles. It governs life, death, success and failure neutrally.
Han Fei teaches that unchecked desire clouds judgment, breeds evil, and brings misfortune. Sages practice restraint; contentment avoids harm.
Han Fei warns: rulers abandoning the Dao become tyrants. Oppression and endless war drain resources, forcing civilian horses into military service.
This passage from Han Feizi explains Legalist governance. A virtuous ruler pursues peace via ritual diplomacy, prioritizes agriculture, curbs extravagance, and turns war horses to farm work, embodying “retire war-horses to fertilize fields.”
This excerpt from Han Feizi interprets Daoist thought through Legalist governance. It argues good rule curbs punishment, calms people’s desires, dispels ghostly superstition, and fosters harmony between ruler and people, human and ghost.
This Han Feizi passage links calm mind and empty senses to virtue accumulation. Virtue brings harmony, wisdom, mastery, victory, and boundless power.