This excerpt from Han Feizi interprets Daoist thought through Legalist governance. It argues good rule curbs punishment, calms people’s desires, dispels ghostly superstition, and fosters harmony between ruler and people, human and ghost.
This Han Feizi passage links calm mind and empty senses to virtue accumulation. Virtue brings harmony, wisdom, mastery, victory, and boundless power.
This Han Feizi passage contrasts restless extravagance with calm frugality. Sages conserve spirit, follow the Dao early, and avoid misfortune.
This Han Feizi passage stresses frugality of mind and senses. Overusing sight, hearing or intellect causes harm; conserving spirit preserves health and wisdom.
This Han Feizi passage teaches virtuous restraint. Sages uphold uprightness, integrity, justice, and dignity without harshness, avoiding conflict to survive wisely.
This Han Feizi passage states success comes from following objective principles, not power or wealth. Ignoring reason leads to ruin; people have long strayed from this path.