SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Guan Zhong

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.2

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.2 criticizes Guan Zhong’s advice for Duke Huan’s lost‑cap disgrace. It argues arbitrary charity and undeserved amnesty reward the meritless and pardon faults, breeding opportunism and political disorder.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 36.9

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.9 rebuts Jiu Liu’s warning against dual‑minister appointments. It argues risk lies not in the number of ministers, but in whether the ruler wields proper statecraft to keep them under control.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 36.8

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.8 rejects Xiao Lue’s defense of Guan Zhong. It holds authority stems from the ruler’s lawful edicts rather than personal rank‑honors, deeming Guan Zhong’s pursuit of status either greedy or tactically ignorant.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 36.3

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.3 critiques Guan Zhong’s advice to Duke Huan. It argues merely dismissing treacherous favorites is insufficient; sound institutions and reliable reward‑punishment systems are needed to block ministerial usurpation.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 35.10

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    This Legalist Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.10 uses multiple anecdotes. It warns against corrupt middle‑level officials and contradictory governance, urging rulers to adopt consistent policies and proper techniques for effective administration.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 35.8

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    This Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.8 Legalist collection of anecdotes warns rulers against lending real authority. It cautions against revealing simulated likes‑dislikes, showing how misplaced trust enables ministers to seize political power.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.6

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 34.6 Legalist passage uses “fierce‑dog” and “altar‑rat” metaphors. It illustrates that credible laws must apply even to nobles and favorites, to block corrupt insiders and consolidate royal authority.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 33.12

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    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 33.12 presents four historical stories. It explores risks of frank remonstrance, conflicts between strict law and family affection, and governance based on merit rather than private gratitude.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 33.6

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    This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 33.6 uses historical cases. It states that a weak ruling house discourages frank speech; private interests prevail and public merit fades, harming impartial official governance.