This Zhuangzi ‑ Zaiyou excerpt advocates wu‑wei: let beings abide by their innate nature instead of meddling. Via tales of Guang Chengzi and Hong Meng, it warns against disturbing human hearts with man‑made moral systems.
This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Quqie explains its radical critique: safeguards and sage‑made moral systems get hijacked by powerful usurpers. It advocates returning to ancient plain‑simplicity instead of over‑reliance on man‑made institutions.
This Han Feizi chapter stresses reliable legal institutions rather than rare virtuous individuals. Using metaphors like the tiger‑cage, it argues sound laws enable mediocre rulers to restrain villains and secure lasting political stability.
This Han Feizi excerpt advocates deterrence‑centered legislation. Using Robber Zhi and warriors as examples, it argues heavy penalties can restrain all people, making even violent and wicked individuals comply and bringing social fairness.
The Master said, “How upright was Shi Yu! When the state was well governed, he was as straight as an arrow; when the state was poorly governed, he was still as straight as an arrow.What a noble person was Qu Boyu! When the state was well governed, he served in office; when the state…