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.
Han Fei teaches inner calm resists temptation. Virtue grows from self to family, state, world; judge all by this principle.