SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

shi

  • The Only Thing You Can Really Rely On: Building Your Own ‘Shi’

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    Han Fei’s four-layer framework for power – position, channels, legitimacy, and structure – and why character alone will not protect you. The only thing you can really rely on: Building your own ‘Shi’.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 40

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 40 debates Shen Dao’s “shi” (positional‑power). It argues relying solely on power or sage‑rulers fails; ordinary middling rulers need both power and law to sustain stable political order.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 38.6

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    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.6 criticizes King Zhao and musician Zhongqi. It holds royal security hinges on one’s own positional‑power rather than assessing foes, and officials must not speak on matters outside their official duties.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 34.4

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    This Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.4 Legalist section collects multiple anecdotes. It stresses rulers must eliminate ungovernable threats early and control ministers via power and rewards‑punishments, rather than merely competing through private benevolence.

  • The Methods of Shen and Han

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    The “Methods of Shen and Han” refers to the statecraft advocated by Shen Buhai and Han Fei, two leading figures of the Legalist school during the Warring States period. Han Fei synthesized Shang Yang’s emphasis on fa (law), Shen Buhai’s focus on shu (statecraft or administrative method), and Shen Dao’s doctrine of shi (power…

  • The Analects – Chapter 13.20

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    Zi Gong asked, “What must one be like to be called a ‘shi’ (a morally responsible scholar-official)?”The Master said, “One who acts with a sense of shame and, when sent on missions abroad, fulfills his ruler’s charge without disgracing it—such a person may be called a shi.”Zi Gong asked, “May I ask about the…