A wise man, when he writes a book, sets forth his arguments fully and clearly; an enlightened ruler, when he makes his laws, sees to it that every contingency is provided for in detail. Han Fei Read Quote
When an enlightened ruler controls his ministers, he makes it so that ministers cannot get credit for achievements gained by overstepping the bounds of their offices or make proposals and then fail to match them with actual achievements. Han Fei Read Quote
A ruler of men faces two possible misfortunes: if he employs the worthy, the ministers will use worthiness as a pretext to rob their ruler of his power, but if he promotes men recklessly, his affairs will be neglected, and he will not prevail. Han Fei Read Quote
He who is vain and delights in his own ability is deceived by his inferiors. When he likes to bring forth arguments and kindliness, his inferiors take advantage of his abilities. Han Fei Read Quote
The duties of the ruler are like those of the helmsman of a great ship. From his lofty position, he makes slight movements with his hands, and the ship, of itself, follows his desires and moves. This is the way whereby the one may control the ten thousand and by quiescence may regulate activity. Han Fei Read Quote
The Way of an enlightened ruler is to make it so that no minister may make a proposal and then fail to match it with actions and results. Han Fei Read Quote
If a ruler of men wants to put an end to vice, he must examine the correspondence between form and name and look to see how what is said differs from what is done. Han Fei Read Quote
The severe household has no fierce slaves, while it is the affectionate mother who has the prodigal son. Han Fei Read Quote
The Way is the beginning of the ten thousand things and the guiding thread of truth and falsity. Han Fei Read Quote
Within the frontiers of a state, there are no more than ten people who do good of themselves, whereas if one makes it so that the people can do no wrong, the entire state can be kept peaceful. Han Fei Read Quote
