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.
Han Fei blames Qin’s ministers for three blunders: sparing collapsing Zhao, failing to take Handan, wasting strength. Now Qin is weak, rivals unite.
Han Fei mocks the anti-Qin alliance. Poor governance, empty treasuries, and unenforced rewards/punishments make them weak, destined to fail against Qin.