Han Feizi describes the dangers of persuasion. Any speaking style gets misjudged; honest advice risks blame, reflecting the perils of autocratic court politics.
The Master said, “A person of virtue will surely have meaningful words; but one who has words is not necessarily virtuous. A humane (benevolent) person will surely possess courage; but a courageous person is not necessarily humane.”
Among Confucius’s disciples, each excelled in different areas: Yan Yuan, Min Ziqian, Ran Boniu, and Zhong Gong stood out in moral character; Zai Wo and Zi Gong were gifted in speech (diplomatic eloquence and debate); Ran You and Ji Lu (Zilu) were skilled in state affairs; and Zi You and Zi Xia excelled in…