Strategies of the Warring States is a historical work compiled by Liu Xiang of the Western Han Dynasty. It was not produced at a single time, nor was it written by a single author. During the Warring States period, there were specialists in diplomatic strategy who studied how to discern the psychology of rulers…
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.6 criticizes King Zhao and musician Zhongqi. It holds royal security hinges on one’s own positional‑power rather than assessing foes, and officials must not speak on matters outside their official duties.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.4 disputes Confucius’ praise for Zhao Xiangzi’s reward of Gao He. It holds rewards must tie to concrete merit; merely observing basic ruler‑minister etiquette should not win top‑ranked recompense.
This chapter calculates war’s massive human and material losses. It refutes pro-war arguments with cases of Wu and Zhi Bo, showing conquest brings net loss, and urges rulers learn from historical failures to reject offensive wars.
Han Feizi tells Lord Zhi tricked Qiu You’s king with a giant bell gift, forcing road construction for its delivery. A minister fled after warning of invasion; seven months later, Qiu You was conquered for coveting tempting but treacherous favors.
Han Feizi tells Wei yielded land to greedy Zhi Bo. Fueling his arrogance rallied allies, leading to Zhi’s downfall.
Han Fei explains Daoist paradoxical strategy: expand to shrink, give to take. Weakness and hidden plans defeat the strong.
Han Fei uses Zhi Bo’s fall to warn: endless greed leads to ruin. Insatiability is the greatest misfortune for rulers.
Han Fei cites history: brute force fails without wisdom. Qin has unmatched strength; he risks death to offer strategies to break alliances and unify China.