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 advocates deterrence‑centered legislation. Using Robber Zhi and warriors as examples, it argues heavy penalties can restrain all people, making even violent and wicked individuals comply and bringing social fairness.
Zeng Shen, Confucius’ virtuous disciple, endured extreme poverty yet sang cheerfully. He turned down a noble’s fief, fearing favors would bind his independence. No ruler could win him over, embodying the Confucian ideal of finding peace amid hardship.
Gao Chai is overly simple-minded; Zeng Shen is slow-witted; Zi Zhang is one-sided and extreme; Zi You (Zilu) is coarse and impetuous.
Gongsun Chou asked Mencius, “If you should hold the power of government in Qi, could you achieve great deeds like Guan Zhong and Yanzi?”
8.3When Master Zeng was ill he summoned his disciples and said, “Free my feet, free my hands. The Songs (the Classic of Poetry) says：
4.15 The Master said, “Shen! My Way (Dao) has one (thread) that runs right through it.”
Zeng Shen (505–435 BC), also known as Zengzi, was a prominent disciple of Confucius and one of the key figures in Confucianism.