SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

On the Difficulties of Persuasion

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 3.2

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    Juan

    Therefore, even if standards and measures are upright, they may not be followed; even if principles and reasoning are complete, they may not be adopted. If Your Majesty distrusts advisors for this reason, minor criticism will be seen as slander, while serious advice may bring disaster, ruin and even death upon oneself.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 3.1

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    Juan

    It is not that I, Han Fei, find speaking difficult in itself. The true difficulty lies in this: If my words are smooth‑flowing, elegant and elaborate, I am deemed flashy yet insubstantial. If I am sincere, respectful, upright and prudent, I am considered clumsy and illogical. If I speak extensively with numerous citations and…