The so‑called great man means one of broad wisdom.
To dwell in depth rather than shallowness means upholding genuine inner feeling and abandoning superficial ritual pretense.
To abide by substance rather than ornament means following inherent principles instead of arbitrary abrupt action.
To reject the former and choose the latter means discarding superficial form and reckless conduct, and selecting principled behavior and genuine sincerity.
Hence the saying: “Reject the former, choose the latter.”
Note
This passage outlines a core moral‑political rule: wise individuals and rulers must prioritize genuine substance, rational principle and sincerity, rejecting superficial ritual pretense and arbitrary action.
Late Warring‑States Legalist political philosopher. This excerpt is from Explaining Laozi (Jie Lao), his interpretive commentary on the Dao De Jing. He reframes Daoist moral ideals into practical principles of substantial governance and sincere conduct.
Great Man
A Daoist ideal reinterpreted by Han Fei as a wise ruler or superior person who prioritizes substance over empty ceremonial form.
Reject the Former, Choose the Latter
A key phrase from the Dao De Jing. Han Fei defines “the former” as superficial ritual, hasty judgment and empty ornament; “the latter” as genuine feeling, rational principle and inner sincerity.
Substance over Form
Consistent Legalist‑Daoist value: true virtue lies in practical reality and natural principle, not performative politeness or impulsive decision‑making.
所謂大丈夫者，謂其智之大也。所謂處其厚不處其薄者，行情實而去禮貌也。所謂處其實不處其華者，必緣理不徑絕也。所謂去彼取此者，去貌徑絕而取緣理好情實也。故曰：「去彼取此。」
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