This page interprets Robber Zhi from Zhuangzi. Through Robber Zhi refuting Confucius, it denounces the hypocrisy of Confucian benevolence and righteousness. Two additional dialogues examine harms of fame and wealth, advocating following nature and preserving one’s true self in this highly subversive chapter.
This excerpt comes from Han Feizi · Employing People, a key chapter on how rulers avoid ministers’ resentment and foster sound sovereign‑minister relations. Drawing on Emperor Yao’s worries and Jie Zitui’s self‑sacrifice, Han Fei puts forth a core political‑philosophical idea: rulers should not morally coerce ministers, but motivate them via clear benefits and institutions.…