Han Fei was one of the most important thinkers of China’s Warring‑States period (475‑221 BCE). Most of his writings were statecraft manuals addressed to rulers. Three Safeguards (Three Defences, 三守), Chapter 16 of the Han Feizi originally instructed kings how to secure their power and avoid being manipulated or coerced by ministers.
Though born within ancient court‑political context, its observations still offer valuable insights for modern‑day interpersonal relationships.
三守不完，则三劫者起。
If the three safeguards are incomplete, three forms of usurpation will arise.
— Han Feizi, Chapter 16.2
The “three usurpations” originally referred to three political tactics whereby ministers could coerce their monarch. Modern readers extend this logic to everyday life and summarize three vulnerable conditions where ordinary people get manipulated: over‑disclosing one’s inner position, losing personal credibility and authority, and surrendering one’s power to set boundaries.
1. Do not over‑disclose your hand
“When the ruler fails to keep things in his heart and leaks them to his favored attendants and opportunistic talents … upright and forthright speakers will be shut out, and loyal‑straight ministers will grow distant.”
人主不心藏而漏之近习能人……然则端言直道之人不得见，而忠直日疏。
This passage does not mean Han Fei rejected sincerity. It offers a warning for high‑stakes, interest‑driven interactions: do not lay all your cards on the table too early.
In negotiations or purchasing, for instance, if you immediately reveal your maximum budget, the other side will aim straight for that upper limit. Keeping some information back is not hypocrisy or trickery. Moments of silence often encourage the other party to reveal their own stance and weaknesses first. Sincerity is a virtue, yet sincerity does not require exposing every vulnerability without reservation.
2. Preserve your credibility and authority
“If the ruler lacks awe‑inspiring authority, power shifts to those around him.”
人主无威而重在左右矣。
Shang Yang, another key Legalist thinker, wrote in The Book of Lord Shang (Shang Jun Shu 商君书 · Exercising Power 修权):
“When institutions and power rest decisively with the ruler, authority is established.”
权制独断于君则威。
In its original context, “decisively” describes where state power belongs; it does not advise ordinary people to be stubborn or autocratic.
Translated to modern‑day life: personal authority grows from keeping your word. If you make casual promises and repeatedly break them, your words gradually lose weight. You do not need to be harsh or aggressive. Consistency alone earns respect. People who lightly make pledges and constantly reverse themselves rarely gain genuine regard from others.
3. Hold on to your power of decision‑making
“When authority and leverage are handed away, the mechanisms for reward, deprivation, life‑and‑death judgment fall into the hands of high‑ranking ministers.”
因传柄移藉，使杀生之机，夺予之要在大臣。
The word 柄 means the leverage and authority to make decisions and draw boundaries – not physical weapons.
One common question arises: does Legalist thought reject kindness? It does not. It points out a practical truth: generosity and goodwill work best when you retain the ability to set boundaries and reject over‑reaching behaviour.
If you give up all leverage and rely purely on good‑will to sustain relationships, fairness becomes extremely hard to maintain. Kindness is not a privilege reserved for a few; but kindness without boundaries easily gets consumed. Holding your decision‑making power is not about hurting others. It is about self‑protection, enabling you to say “no” when others cross your lines.
“When the three safeguards are complete, the three forms of usurpation cease.”
「三守完，则三劫者止。」
Three Safeguards was written for kings to defend kingdoms. Today we do not rule kingdoms, yet we govern our own lives: keep some things private, uphold your credibility, and retain your power of choice. Guard your livelihood, your family and your personal aspirations. That is the gift this 2300‑year‑old Legalist text offers to modern readers.
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