Han Feizi cites Hui Zi’s archery analogy: skilled Hou Yi earns strangers’ trust for steady shots, yet a kid with a cocked bow scares his own mother. Reliable outcomes build trust, while uncertainty drives people away.
Han Feizi contrasts two official types: sycophants Chong Hou and E Lai pleased King Zhou but ignored Shang’s fall; loyal Bi Gan and Wu Zixu foresaw ruin yet died unjustly. Full wisdom needs both human insight and foresight of state trends.
Han Feizi cites sculptor Huan He’s carving rule: carve noses larger and eyes smaller for later trimming. This teaches reserving room for revision to avoid irreversible mistakes in all affairs.
Han Feizi tells Bo Le assigned rare thousand-li steed appraisal to disliked pupils and quick-profit nag judging to favorites, warning against impractical decisions guided by superficial opinions.
Han Feizi notes eels and silkworms look frightening like snakes and caterpillars, yet people handle them boldly for profit. Gain drives ordinary folks as brave as famed warriors Meng Ben and Zhuan Zhu.
Han Feizi tells of the Zhouzhou bird with a heavy head and bent tail; it grips its feathers to keep balance while drinking. The fable teaches people short of strength must seek outside support.