Han Feizi’s Chapter 21.5 continues interpreting the Dao De Jing. It explores core lessons on desire, greed, and wise governance with historical analogies.
Han Feizi tells Duke Yu’s story: greed for horses and jade blinded him, leading to his state’s fall. Greed brings bitter regret.
Han Fei uses Zhi Bo’s fall to warn: endless greed leads to ruin. Insatiability is the greatest misfortune for rulers.
Han Fei warns that beauty, fame, or wealth make one a target. Coveted goods and power bring ruin to rulers and states.
Han Fei contrasts two states: following the Dao brings peace, horses farm; abandoning it fuels endless war, horses breed in suburbs.
Han Fei teaches inner calm resists temptation. Virtue grows from self to family, state, world; judge all by this principle.
Han Fei frames compassion as careful preservation. Cherish people, rules, and resources to win battles and defend strongholds.
Han Fei argues tangible things follow fixed principles. Sages yield to natural rules, avoid rushing forward, and thus lead all achievements.