This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Shuo Jian retells the three sword parable. Using imperial, feudal and common man sword metaphors, it rebukes a king for indulging trivial gladiatorial fights instead of governing his realm.
Mencius lays out three pillars of stable governance: trust virtuous officials to sustain the nation, uphold ritual and righteousness to keep social order, and attend to state affairs to guarantee adequate public finance.
Mencius warns against slaying others’ kin. Killing someone’s father or brother triggers retaliation against your own family. Though you do not kill your relatives personally, the tragic outcome barely differs from direct murder.
Citing six heroes elevated from hardship, Mencius states adversity tempers character and builds capability. People grow through mistakes and struggles; states without critics or external threats collapse. Thus hardship sustains life, ease brings ruin.
Sun Tzu emphasizes pre-war deliberation in ancestral temples. Ample thorough plans secure victory, while inadequate ones lead to defeat. Without any planning at all, defeat is inevitable, so we can easily predict the final outcome.
Han Fei teaches that unchecked desire clouds judgment, breeds evil, and brings misfortune. Sages practice restraint; contentment avoids harm.
This Han Feizi passage argues strict law strengthens states, while weak law leads to decline. Law, like a mirror, must be impartial, above personal wit.
This Han Feizi passage stresses strict rewards and punishments. Petty loyalty harms state interests; law must prevail over personal affection.