SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Han Fei

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 7.1

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    Han Feizi’s core rule: rulers must monopolize punishment and reward. Losing either lets ministers usurp power, endangering the throne.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 6.5

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    Han Fei stresses law as the impartial governance standard. It curbs ministerial encroachment, treats nobles and commoners equally, and secures supreme monarchical power.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 6.4

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    Han Feizi argues rulers cannot supervise all personally. Replace personal checks with laws, strict rewards and punishments to control officials and secure power.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 6.3

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    Han Feizi defines the ideal minister: fully loyal, obedient, law-abiding, no private ambition. Reject self-seeking scholars to secure absolute monarchical power.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 6.2

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    Han Feizi argues that private cliques ruin states. Rulers must govern by law, not favor or reputation, to stop collusion and secure power.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 6.1

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    Han Feizi argues no state stays strong forever. Power depends on enforcing laws, not heroic rulers. Corrupt officials break laws and ruin states.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 5.3

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    Han Fei advises rulers to stay calm and non-active. Verify ministers’ words against deeds, enforce impartial rewards and punishments without favoritism.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 5.2

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    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 Feizi – Chapter 5.1

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    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.