Han Feizi tells King Zhuang planned to attack Yue. Du Zi warned: see your own flaws first. Self-awareness is true wisdom.
Han Feizi tells King Zhuang of Chu’s story: three years of silence, then decisive rule. Great achievements need patience and preparation.
Han Fei uses two tales: fixating on rivals scatters focus. True wisdom lies in inner harmony and adapting to circumstances.
Han Feizi argues inner clarity beats external distractions. Calm the mind to grasp the world and natural laws.
Han Feizi stresses following nature over forced effort. Artificial skill wastes energy; align with natural laws for true success.
Han Fei critiques rigid book-learning. True wisdom adapts to timing, not texts; blind rejection is also folly.
Han Fei tells Zi Han refused a jade gift, valuing integrity over treasure. True wealth lies in restraining desire for rare goods.
Han Fei teaches strategic forbearance: enduring humiliation builds strength. Goujian and King Wu won by bearing insults calmly.
Han Fei tells how Jizi (Ji Zi) foresaw King Zhou’s ruin from ivory chopsticks – small luxuries lead to tyranny and fall.