Tian Chang

  • Why You Should Never Let Anyone Else Hold Your Rewards and Punishments

    This article unpacks Han‑Feizi’s “Two Handles” doctrine of reward and punishment. Through ancient historical cases, it warns against ceding these levers, translating this statecraft insight into modern‑day relationship and workplace guidance.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 52

    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 52 (The Ruler) warns powerful ministers and court favorites rob the ruler of his crucial authority. It notes statecraft thinkers face mortal peril under corrupt cliques and advocates merit‑based appointments to block private factional influence.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 49

    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 49 (Five Vermin) argues governance must adapt to changing eras. It denounces five harmful social groups sapping state strength, advocating strict law‑reward‑punishment and prioritizing farming‑warfare over empty moral rhetoric.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 38.2

    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.2 critiques Duke Wen’s acceptance of eunuch Pi. It warns later rulers against blindly imitating ancient tolerance, for disloyal ministers may misuse such precedents to usurp state power.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 37.5

    This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.5 refutes Duke Huan’s view of rulership. It argues a ruler cannot rest easy after appointing a minister; he must apply Xing‑Ming checks and laws instead of placing blind personal trust in subordinates.

  • Chapter 29. Robber Zhi (Dao Zhi)

    This page interprets Robber Zhi from Zhuangzi. Through Robber Zhi refuting Confucius, it denounces the hypocrisy of Confucian benevolence and righteousness. Two additional dialogues examine harms of fame and wealth, advocating following nature and preserving one’s true self in this highly subversive chapter.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.13

    This is Explanation Five from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings, Part II. It assembles cases on how royal favour distorts succession and brings usurpation and regicide. Unlike prior sections focusing on ministers’ frauds, it highlights a root structural issue: uncertain inheritance fuels all palace intrigues.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.6

    This Han Feizi passage examines “Mutual Suspicion Among Rivals”. Citing multiple Spring‑and‑Autumn power‑struggle cases, it argues blurred hierarchies breed deadly political turmoil, so wise rulers must enforce clear rank distinctions.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 31.1

    This excerpt is the general outline of Han Feizi · Inner Congeries Part II. It summarizes the Six Subtleties, six insidious perils posed by ministers. Interlinked, these hazards form a complete causal chain from power erosion to state ruin.