This excerpt from Han Feizi uses the mirror metaphor and two historical anecdotes: Ximen Bao wearing soft leather and Dong Anyu a bowstring. It advocates objective external standards for self‑correction, defining a wise ruler.
The Master said, “(The good man) Does not grieve that other people do not recognize his merits. His only anxiety is lest he should fail to recognize theirs.”
You can only think of the danger of ascending to a high place after you have stood in a low place.