Han Fei explains Daoist paradoxical strategy: expand to shrink, give to take. Weakness and hidden plans defeat the strong.
Han Feizi’s Chapter 21.5 continues interpreting the Dao De Jing. It explores core lessons on desire, greed, and wise governance with historical analogies.
Han Feizi tells Duke Yu’s story: greed for horses and jade blinded him, leading to his state’s fall. Greed brings bitter regret.
Han Fei uses Zhi Bo’s fall to warn: endless greed leads to ruin. Insatiability is the greatest misfortune for rulers.
Han Fei warns that beauty, fame, or wealth make one a target. Coveted goods and power bring ruin to rulers and states.
Han Fei contrasts two states: following the Dao brings peace, horses farm; abandoning it fuels endless war, horses breed in suburbs.