Han Feizi

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.5

    This excerpt is from “Canon Four: Counter‑Evidence” in Han Feizi. It marks the shift from diagnosing problems to offering solutions. It proposes sophisticated reverse reasoning: distrust superficial appearances and trace back hidden schemers by identifying who stands to benefit.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.4

    This excerpt is from “Canon Three: Plausible Resemblances” in Han Feizi. The most practical of the Six Subtleties, it unveils a sophisticated frame‑up trick: instead of direct slander, fabricate scenes to prompt the ruler to draw false conclusions on his own.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.3

    This excerpt comes from “Canon Two: Conflicting Interests” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries Part II‑Six Subtleties. One of Han Fei’s most radical propositions, it rejects Confucian moral narratives of loyal ministers and reduces the ruler‑minister bond to a cold‑blooded interest formula: when ministers gain benefit, the sovereign’s interest perishes.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.2

    This excerpt is from “Canon One: Delegated Authority” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries Part II, the first of the Six Subtleties and a core political axiom. In concise wording, it reveals the “first law of power physics”: once power is delegated, it can hardly be reclaimed.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.1

    This excerpt is the general outline of Han Feizi · Inner Congeries Part II. It summarizes the Six Subtleties, six insidious perils posed by ministers. Interlinked, these hazards form a complete causal chain from power erosion to state ruin.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.15

    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

    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

    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

    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.