ruler psychology

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 12.4

    The essential task of persuasion is to adorn what the one persuaded prides in and conceal what he is ashamed of.If he has urgent private desires, the persuader must affirm and encourage them in the name of public justice.If his mind harbors base cravings he cannot restrain, the persuader beautifies his intentions and downplays…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 12.2

    If the person to be persuaded seeks noble reputation, yet you persuade him with great profit, you will be regarded as vulgar and low‑minded, and will surely be rejected and distanced.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 12.1

    The difficulty of persuasion lies not in whether I possess wisdom to persuade others, nor in whether my eloquence can clarify my intentions, nor in whether I dare to speak freely and express all my thoughts.