Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 50 (Prominent Schools) critiques contradictory Confucian‑Mohist doctrines. It rejects moral rhetoric and popular sentiment, advocating merit‑tested officials, strict laws and state power instead of ancient, unverifiable sage‑king teachings.
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.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.9 rebuts Jiu Liu’s warning against dual‑minister appointments. It argues risk lies not in the number of ministers, but in whether the ruler wields proper statecraft to keep them under control.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.6 re‑examines Duke Huan’s repeated visits to the recluse Xiao Chen Ji. It redefines benevolence‑righteousness politically, arguing honoring such an arrogant hermit undermines ruler‑subject hierarchy.
This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Rang Wang gathers fables stressing valuing innate life above kingship and wealth. It also notes textual tensions: some tales celebrate moral suicide, conflicting with its core cherish‑life theme.
This Zhuangzi ‑ Rang Wang collects fables of hermits rejecting thrones, rank and wealth. It advocates cherishing one’s inner life above worldly power, holding politics as secondary to personal spiritual cultivation.
This Zhuangzi ‑ Gengsang Chu chapter features Gengsang Chu and seeker Nan Rongchu. It teaches “guarding‑life” Daoist practice, criticizes Yao‑Shun‑style governance and advocates inner stillness and infant‑like simplicity.
Chapter Ten (Exalting the Worthy III) continues Mohist meritocracy. Mozi criticizes rulers who value kin or looks over talent, uses archery analogies, cites sage kings, and stresses elevating capable commoners to enrich, stabilize and unify the realm.
This Mohist chapter centers on exalting worthy talents as the core of governance. Mozi advocates meritocracy, promoting capable men regardless of humble origins, backed by sage kings’ precedents. He argues enriching and empowering virtuous officials brings national wealth, population growth and stability.