Han Feizi tells Ji Zi feared King Zhou’s ivory chopsticks would spark endless luxury, foreseeing the dynasty’s fall.
When King Zhou ordered chopsticks made of ivory, Ji Zi was most perturbed. He reasoned: “Ivory chopsticks demand rhino horn cups; rhino cups demand exotic delicacies; delicacies demand silk robes and palace halls. This insatiable chain will end in tyranny and ruin.”