Han Fei tells King Wen gave a jade tablet to Shang’s corrupt Fei Zhong, not the virtuous Jiao Ge, to weaken Shang. True wisdom is subtle statecraft.
Han Fei tells Zixia’s story: inner struggle between virtue and wealth. True strength lies in conquering oneself.
Han Feizi tells King Zhuang planned to attack Yue. Du Zi warned: see your own flaws first. Self-awareness is true wisdom.
Han Feizi tells King Zhuang of Chu’s story: three years of silence, then decisive rule. Great achievements need patience and preparation.
Han Fei uses two tales: fixating on rivals scatters focus. True wisdom lies in inner harmony and adapting to circumstances.
Han Feizi argues inner clarity beats external distractions. Calm the mind to grasp the world and natural laws.
Han Feizi stresses following nature over forced effort. Artificial skill wastes energy; align with natural laws for true success.
Han Fei critiques rigid book-learning. True wisdom adapts to timing, not texts; blind rejection is also folly.
Han Fei tells Zi Han refused a jade gift, valuing integrity over treasure. True wealth lies in restraining desire for rare goods.