SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Guan Zhong

  • Why a Respectable Job Tells You Nothing About a Person

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    This article draws on Han Feizi’s horse testing metaphor and Guan Zhong’s death‑bed warning. It argues titles or respectable jobs cannot prove character; true nature emerges only through long‑term observation under real‑life pressure.

  • The Hidden Wisdom of the Old Horse Knowing the Way

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    This article re‑examines Han‑Feizi’s “old horse knows the way” tale. Beyond valuing experience, it highlights strategic humility: even wise figures should admit ignorance and seek external clues instead of feigning certainty.

  • 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.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 38.8

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    This Han Feizi‑Chapter 38.8 challenges Guanzi’s call for full‑open royal speech. It distinguishes public, proclaimed fa (law) from secret inner shu (ruler’s technique), arguing law should be widely known while state‑controlling method stays concealed.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 38.7

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    This Han Feizi‑Chapter 38.7 critiques Guanzi’s view on rewards‑punishments. It warns ministers fake proper conduct to match the ruler’s revealed preferences; judging merely by visible appearances misleads and blinds the sovereign to hidden treachery.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 38.3

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.3 disputes Guan Zhong’s interpretation of the “three‑difficulties” riddle. It argues real political hazards lie in imbalanced power from ministers, concubines and princes, not superficial ruler‑conduct.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 38.2

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    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.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.5

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.5 refutes Duke Huan’s view of rulership. It argues a ruler cannot rest easy after appointing a minister; he must apply Xing‑Ming checks and laws instead of placing blind personal trust in subordinates.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.4

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    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.