The Dao is the origin of all things in the world and the standard for judging right and wrong. Therefore, an enlightened ruler grasps this origin to explore the beginning and end of all things, and studies this standard to analyze the causes of success and failure.
In ancient times, the fall of King Zhou of Shang and the decline of the Zhou royal house both resulted from excessive power held by feudal lords. The partition of Jin and the usurpation of Qi were both caused by ministers growing too wealthy and powerful. The regicides in Yan and Song all followed…
It is not that I, Han Fei, find speaking difficult in itself. The true difficulty lies in this: If my words are smooth‑flowing, elegant and elaborate, I am deemed flashy yet insubstantial. If I am sincere, respectful, upright and prudent, I am considered clumsy and illogical. If I speak extensively with numerous citations and…
In my view, Han Fei adorns his extravagant fallacies with polished writing and extremely sophisticated rhetoric. I fear Your Majesty may be misled by his eloquence and yield to his ulterior motives, failing to examine the true state of affairs carefully.
When Han Fei came to Qin, he surely relied on his ability to preserve the State of Han so as to gain high standing in Han.
Regarding the memorial submitted by the Han envoy [Han Fei], which argues that the State of Han ought not to be conquered, and ordered me, Li Si, to deliberate on it. I, Li Si, firmly hold the opposite view.
Moreover, I have heard an old saying: Be cautious and trembling in mind, growing more prudent day by day. If one upholds the right way with caution, the whole realm may be obtained.