This excerpt is from “Explanation Three” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Rewards and praise are the ruler’s sharpest weapons. Generous and trustworthy incentives let rulers manipulate human nature, urging subjects to overcome innate fears and turn the weak into fearless warriors.
This excerpt comes from “Canon Three: Rewards and Praise” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers shall establish generous, trustworthy reward systems. Only when subjects are certain of returns for their efforts will they willingly brave deadly dangers, rising above instinctive fear and greed.
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.
Han Feizi tells Wu Qi fled Lu after Ji Sun’s regicide, sensing early political danger.
Han Feizi warns slander can destroy even close bonds. Reformers like Shang Yang and Wu Qi perished due to treacherous ministers.
Han Feizi Chapter 13.3 continues the jade allegory, stressing Legalist reformers face harsh persecution. True statecraft must overcome elite resistance.
This article chronicles Fu Jian’s rise and fall as ruler of Former Qin. He overthrew the tyrant Fu Sheng, ruled with virtue alongside Wang Meng, unified northern China, and revived culture and education. Yet blinded by hubris, he ignored Wang Meng’s final warning and prepared to invade Eastern Jin, sealing his tragic fate.