SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Legalism

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.6

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.6 criticizes Li Dui’s moral‑based dismissal of a magistrate for high revenue. It argues rising income can stem from good harvests or sound governance, not fraud; administrators need factual verification instead of vague suspicion.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.5

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.5 refutes Duke Huan’s view of rulership. It argues a ruler cannot rest easy after appointing a minister; he must apply Xing‑Ming checks and laws instead of placing blind personal trust in subordinates.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.4

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.4 rejects Shu Xiang’s and Shi Kuang’s one‑sided arguments. It concludes hegemonic achievements stem from joint contributions: capable rulers must properly employ competent ministers for political success.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.3

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.3 disputes Confucius’ praise for King Wen of Zhou. It argues King Wen’s land‑ceding gesture aggravated Shang King Zhou’s suspicion, bringing about his imprisonment; prudent non‑display would have been wiser statecraft.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.2

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.2 criticizes Guan Zhong’s advice for Duke Huan’s lost‑cap disgrace. It argues arbitrary charity and undeserved amnesty reward the meritless and pardon faults, breeding opportunism and political disorder.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.1

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.1 challenges Yanzi’s famous “expensive artificial feet” remonstrance. It holds punishments should be judged by appropriateness rather than mere quantity; blind leniency benefits wrong‑doers and harms law‑abiding citizens.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 36.9

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.9 rebuts Jiu Liu’s warning against dual‑minister appointments. It argues risk lies not in the number of ministers, but in whether the ruler wields proper statecraft to keep them under control.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 36.8

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.8 rejects Xiao Lue’s defense of Guan Zhong. It holds authority stems from the ruler’s lawful edicts rather than personal rank‑honors, deeming Guan Zhong’s pursuit of status either greedy or tactically ignorant.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 36.7

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.7 challenges Xi Xianzi’s claim of “sharing the blame”. It analyzes the wartime‑execution episode, holding his proposal for public exposure only multiplies injustice instead of shouldering real responsibility.