This excerpt is from “Explanation Three” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Rewards and praise are the ruler’s sharpest weapons. Generous and trustworthy incentives let rulers manipulate human nature, urging subjects to overcome innate fears and turn the weak into fearless warriors.
This excerpt is from Explanation Two in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I, elaborating on “Canon Two: Certain Punishment”. Deterrence lies not in cruelty but in the certainty of penalty. Only when violations bring unavoidable consequences can the law establish its inviolable authority.
This excerpt comes from “Canon Three: Rewards and Praise” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers shall establish generous, trustworthy reward systems. Only when subjects are certain of returns for their efforts will they willingly brave deadly dangers, rising above instinctive fear and greed.
This excerpt is from “Canon Two: Inevitable Punishment” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei holds that mercy poisons the rule of law. Unless penalties are certain – lawbreakers are caught and punished – decrees become hollow. Laws must gain inviolable authority through absolute certainty.