There are three undeniable principles in the world: first, even the wisest mind cannot accomplish everything; second, even the strongest force cannot lift everything; third, even the mightiest warrior cannot defeat every opponent. Therefore, even with the wisdom of Yao, without the assistance of the multitude, no great achievement can be established. Even with…
This excerpt from Han Feizi uses the mirror metaphor and two historical anecdotes: Ximen Bao wearing soft leather and Dong Anyu a bowstring. It advocates objective external standards for self‑correction, defining a wise ruler.