This entry explains the Chinese idiom “爱毛反裘 (ài máo fǎn qiú)” from Han‑dynasty Xinxu. Derived from a vivid fable, it warns against sacrificing fundamentals for superficial gains, with modern‑life cases and matching English proverbs.
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 33.10 offers assorted anecdotes. It advocates merit‑based appointments and factual inspection, cautioning rulers against deceptive slander and influence from palace attendants.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter32.12 Legalist excerpt presents multiple tales. It highlights political trustworthiness’ governance value and also covers investigation and surveillance techniques for handling litigation and official corruption.
This Legalist segment from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter32.6 uses multiple historical tales. It argues rulers must accumulate political credibility; trustworthy rewards punishments secure obedience, while broken trust brings grave perils.
Dongguo Shunzi, a Daoist True Man, is Tian Zifang’s master. He transforms others quietly via inner purity rather than preaching. After hearing his merit, Marquis Wen of Wei deems his political learning trivial and sees his state as a heavy burden.
Scholar Duan Ganmu clung to Dao and shunned official posts, even climbing over walls to evade Marquis Wen of Wei. The marquis showed great reverence for his virtue, saluting his cottage and offering the premiership, which Duan Ganmu firmly rejected.
Han Feizi tells Marquis Wen of Wei turned down troop requests from warring Han and Zhao, claiming kinship ties to both. Initially annoyed, the two states later realized his peacemaking intent and paid homage to Wei for his wise neutral diplomacy.