SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

frugality

  • Han Fei on the Panic and What Emptiness Adds

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    This essay examines Han Feizi’s concept of restlessness via Zhufu Yan and Li Si’s tragic cases. It merges Legalist practical stillness with Buddhist emptiness to explain inner panic and offers a balanced practical synthesis.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 50

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 50 (Prominent Schools) critiques contradictory Confucian‑Mohist doctrines. It rejects moral rhetoric and popular sentiment, advocating merit‑tested officials, strict laws and state power instead of ancient, unverifiable sage‑king teachings.

  • Mozi – Chapter 48

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    This chapter records debates between Mozi and Confucian Gong Mengzi. Mozi refutes Confucian views on passive conduct, ancient robes, fatalism, elaborate funerals and empty music, denouncing four harmful Confucian doctrines while acknowledging Confucius’ valid ideas.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 10.7

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    Han Feizi tells of the Rong king: indulged in female entertainers, ignored advice, lost his realm to Qin.

  • Mozi

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    Mozi is the title of the foundational text of Mohism, serving as a comprehensive compilation of writings by Mo Di‘s disciples and later followers. According to the Yiwenzhi (Treatise on Literature) in the Book of Han (Hanshu) compiled by Ban Gu in the Eastern Han dynasty, the original text comprised 71 chapters; today, 53…

  • The Analects – Chapter 9.3

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    Confucius said, “Using hemp to make ceremonial caps was in accordance with ancient ritual; nowadays people use silk instead, out of frugality. In this case, I follow the majority. Bowing below the hall was in accordance with ancient ritual; now people bow from atop the hall, which shows arrogance. Even if it means going…

  • Great Learning Chapter 15. Wealth with Virtue

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    There is a great principle in generating wealth:When many produce and few consume,when work is done diligently and swiftly,and expenditures are made moderately and thoughtfully –then wealth will always be sufficient.