Those ignorant of governance always claim: “Do not change the ancient ways, do not alter established customs.” Whether to reform or not, sages ignore such empty words and merely pursue proper governance. Thus preserving ancient institutions depends on whether they are viable or not.
If Yi Yin had not reformed Yin, and Duke Taigong had not reformed Zhou, Tang and King Wu could never have become kings. If Guan Zhong had not altered Qi’s systems, and Guo Yan had not renewed Jin’s rules, Duke Huan and Duke Wen could never have achieved hegemony.
People resist reform mainly because they fear disturbing the people’s accustomed stability. Yet preserving old disorderly patterns continues chaos; catering blindly to popular will indulges wicked conduct. Commoners are ignorant of hidden chaos; weak rulers dare not reform – this is the root of bad governance.
An enlightened ruler understands statecraft and enforces reforms firmly. Therefore he establishes proper governance even against temporary public sentiment. As Lord Shang enforced internal‑external legal policies with iron maces and heavy shields for precaution.
When Guo Yan first governed Jin, Duke Wen deployed official troops. When Guan Zhong first governed Qi, Duke Huan maintained war chariots. These were preparations to restrain the people for reform.
Foolish, reckless and lazy commoners grumble at small immediate costs while ignoring long‑term great benefits. Hence Yin Hu (Yang Hu) suffered slander from flatterers. Abandoning long‑term convenience for minor changes, merchant of Zou criticized itinerant trade with carts carrying goods. Accustomed to chaos and unfit for order, people of Zheng could not return to proper governance.
Note
This passage delivers a classic Legalist reform principle: ancient laws are not sacred. Rulers must reform institutions for long‑term national interests, even if reforms contradict temporary popular sentiment, supported by firm authority and force.
Late Warring‑States Legalist philosopher. This passage is from Facing South (Nan Mian), his core essay on monarchical governance and reform ideology.
Yi Yin
Sage minister who reformed Yin and helped King Tang establish the Shang Dynasty.
Duke Taigong (Jiang Ziya)
Founder‑minister of Zhou, who reformed feudal systems.
Guan Zhong
Prime Minister of Qi who reformed state institutions and made Duke Huan the first hegemon.
Guo Yan
Minister of Jin who reformed politics and enabled Duke Wen of Jin to gain hegemony.
Lord Shang (Shang Yang)
Qin reformer, symbolic of radical Legalist reform enforced by military power.
Duke Huan of Qi, Duke Wen of Jin
Two most famous Spring‑and‑Autumn hegemons, relying on ministerial reforms.
Reform‑vs‑Conservatism Debate
Han Fei directly refutes traditional conservatives who advocate preserving ancient institutions unconditionally, arguing laws must adapt to changing times.
People’s Short‑Sighted Nature
A key Legalist view: common people care only for immediate comfort and fear short‑term costs, so rulers cannot cater to public opinion blindly.
Force to Enforce Reform
Legalists believe necessary reforms must be backed by military power and strict authority to overcome popular resistance.
Facing‑South Governance
The essay title refers to rulers sitting facing south, representing supreme authority and decisive statecraft.
不知治者，必曰：「無變古，毋易常。」變與不變，聖人不聽，正治而已。然則古之無變，常之毋易，在常古之可與不可。伊尹毋變殷，太公毋變周，則湯、武不王矣。管仲毋易齊，郭偃毋更晉，則桓、文不霸矣。凡人難變古者，憚易民之安也。夫不變古者，襲亂之跡；適民心者，恣姦之行也。民愚而不知亂，上懦而不能更，是治之失也。人主者，明能知治，嚴必行之，故雖拂於民心立其治。說在商君之內外而鐵殳，重盾而豫戒也。故郭偃之始治也，文公有官卒；管仲始治也，桓公有武車；戒民之備也。是以愚贛窳墯之民，苦小費而忘大利也，故夤虎受阿謗。𨌑小變而失長便，故鄒賈非載旅。狎習於亂而容於治，故鄭人不能歸。
Leave a Reply