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.
This Han Feizi excerpt defines the wise‑ruler’s ideal: laws aligned with popular sentiment. Citing Yao and Shun, it stresses lasting institutional virtue, not material possessions, earns people’s obedience and enduring remembrance.
This Han Feizi excerpt criticizes rulers demanding ministers’ absolute loyalty without practicing self‑discipline. It warns against unrealistic expectations, stressing governance should let people utilize their strengths to sustain social order.
Mencius refutes fallacies about Shun’s reign, laying out a classic text-reading rule: grasp authors’ intent beyond literal words. He argues filial piety outweighs royal rank; as Son of Heaven, Shun still showed full reverence to his father Gusou.
Han Feizi tells Yao offered his throne to Xu You, who fled and lodged with a commoner. The householder hid his leather cap fearing theft, failing to grasp Xu You scorned supreme power and cared nothing for trivial belongings.
Confucius traced his teachings back to Yao and Shun,and took Wen and Wu as his models for institutions.Above, he conformed to the rhythms of Heaven’s seasons;below, he followed the patterns of earth, water, and soil.