This essay draws on Han Feizi’s Shi Xie (Exposing Superstition). It argues rewards should serve as public signals of valued conduct rather than personal favours, laying out five practical rules to separate public merit‑based incentives from private gratitude‑driven bonds.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.2 critiques Duke Wen’s acceptance of eunuch Pi. It warns later rulers against blindly imitating ancient tolerance, for disloyal ministers may misuse such precedents to usurp state power.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.7 challenges Zhu Guo’s military advice to Zhao Jianzi. It rejects relying on rare loyal devotion, holding commanders should depend on reliable systems of generous rewards and strict punishments to motivate troops.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.4 rejects Shu Xiang’s and Shi Kuang’s one‑sided arguments. It concludes hegemonic achievements stem from joint contributions: capable rulers must properly employ competent ministers for political success.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.1 recounts the Chengpu‑battle story. It rebuts the traditional praise for Duke Wen’s reward practice, arguing rewards should match actual military achievements instead of hollow long‑term moral speeches.
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.3 uses metaphors of fierce dogs and altar rats. It argues rulers must endure painful measures, enforce laws above personal feelings and test officials with objective standards.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 33.9 Legalist excerpt collects diverse short tales. It stresses strict ritual‑political hierarchy between superiors and subordinates, warning against reversed noble‑base order which may bring political ruin.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 33.8 Legalist excerpt presents four historical tales. It advocates checks‑and‑balances and statecraft, warning rulers against blind personal trust in ministers, even the seemingly loyal ones.