SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Bai Gui

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.10

    •

    This is Explanation Two from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings. With over ten cases covering households, courts and state relations, it illustrates the structural conflicts between ministers’ private interests and national interests.

  • 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.

  • Mencius – Chapter 12.11

    •

    Bai Gui claims his flood control surpasses Yu the Great. Mencius disagrees: Yu diverted floods to the seas naturally, while Bai Gui channels floods into neighboring states. Such harmful zero-sum tactics are detested by benevolent men.

  • Mencius – Chapter 12.10

    •

    Bai Gui proposes a 5% tax rate. Mencius argues this suits only primitive tribes lacking formal governance. Civilized central states need moderate taxation to sustain rituals and officials; overly light or heavy taxes equal barbarism or tyranny.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 23.25

    •

    Han Feizi records strategist Bai Gui’s advice to Song’s prime minister. To avoid being ousted once the young king comes of age, the minister should invite Chu’s envoys to praise the ruler’s filial fame and secure long-term official power.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 21.10

    •

    Han Feizi teaches: great crises start small. Tackle issues early – like Bian Que’s warnings – to avoid disaster.