SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

rule of law

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 51

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 51 (Loyalty and Filial Piety) challenges traditional sage‑king narratives. It stresses unchanging hierarchical order, prioritizing law over reputed worth, and dismisses empty diplomatic vertical‑horizontal alliance theories.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 50

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 50 (Prominent Schools) critiques contradictory Confucian‑Mohist doctrines. It rejects moral rhetoric and popular sentiment, advocating merit‑tested officials, strict laws and state power instead of ancient, unverifiable sage‑king teachings.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 48.8

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 48.8 condemns private‑righteousness and benevolence overriding statutes. It argues honor and merit must stem solely from state law. Titles, rewards‑punishments and decrees form three pillars for building a well‑ordered “state possessing the Way”.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 48.1

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 48.1 argues governance must follow human desires for likes‑dislikes. Rulers should firmly hold power‑handles, enforce impartial, heavy rewards‑punishments, keep inner intentions concealed and bar private parties from legal judgments.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 47

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 47 (Eight Sayings) criticizes eight popular private‑virtue praises harmful to state. It advocates objective legal standards, merit‑based official appointment and curbing over‑powerful ministers for national wealth and strength.

  • 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 36.8

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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.