Han Fei advises rulers to stay calm and non-active. Verify ministers’ words against deeds, enforce impartial rewards and punishments without favoritism.
Han Fei urges rulers to stay hidden, calm, and unpredictable. Block five ministerial obstructions, eliminate cliques, verify deeds and titles, and secure absolute power.
Han Fei blends Taoism and Legalism. Rulers stay calm, hide preferences, use non-action, leverage ministers’ talents, take credit, and shift blame to keep supreme power.
Han Fei cites history: over-powerful ministers and lords cause state collapse. Rulers must enforce strict laws, limit their wealth, troops and arms to keep power.
Han Feizi describes the dangers of persuasion. Any speaking style gets misjudged; honest advice risks blame, reflecting the perils of autocratic court politics.
Li Si slanders Han Fei’s rhetoric as deceptive. He proposes detaining Han’s king, military intimidation, and gradual annexation to weaken rivals and unify China.
Han Fei is accused of cunningly serving Han while advising Qin. He uses rhetoric to hide motives, prioritize Han’s interests, and advance his own status.