This Zhuangzi ‑ Quqie excerpt delivers sharp political satire. It argues sage‑made laws and virtues get hijacked by powerful usurpers, advocating discarding sages‑cleverness to restore primitive plain‑simplicity.
This excerpt is from Han Feizi · Employing People, a pivotal chapter on the objectivity and de‑emotionalization of the rule of law. With the apt metaphor of archery and references to Yao, Hou Yi and Bi Gan, Han Fei presents a core political‑philosophical view: genuine rule of law must free itself from a ruler’s…
This Han Feizi chapter stresses reliable legal institutions rather than rare virtuous individuals. Using metaphors like the tiger‑cage, it argues sound laws enable mediocre rulers to restrain villains and secure lasting political stability.
This Han Feizi excerpt criticizes rulers demanding ministers’ absolute loyalty without practicing self‑discipline. It warns against unrealistic expectations, stressing governance should let people utilize their strengths to sustain social order.
Han Feizi contrasts two official types: sycophants Chong Hou and E Lai pleased King Zhou but ignored Shang’s fall; loyal Bi Gan and Wu Zixu foresaw ruin yet died unjustly. Full wisdom needs both human insight and foresight of state trends.