This Han Feizi passage contrasts restless extravagance with calm frugality. Sages conserve spirit, follow the Dao early, and avoid misfortune.
This Han Feizi passage stresses frugality of mind and senses. Overusing sight, hearing or intellect causes harm; conserving spirit preserves health and wisdom.
This Han Feizi passage teaches virtuous restraint. Sages uphold uprightness, integrity, justice, and dignity without harshness, avoiding conflict to survive wisely.
This Han Feizi passage states success comes from following objective principles, not power or wealth. Ignoring reason leads to ruin; people have long strayed from this path.
This Han Feizi excerpt completes the fortune‑misfortune dialectic. Blessing breeds wealth and arrogance, leading to reckless conduct, failure, and hidden misfortune.
This Han Feizi passage explains the Daoist dialectic: misfortune sparks vigilance, upright conduct, and rational thought, ultimately leading to blessing and success.
This Han Feizi excerpt defines the “great man” as wise. It teaches choosing genuine sincerity and rational principle over superficial ritual and impulsive action.
This Han Feizi passage criticizes groundless foresight as empty cleverness. Using Zhan He’s cow anecdote, it argues true wisdom comes from direct observation, not speculation.