韓非 Han Fei
韓非子
Hanfeizi
A collection of essays on Legalist political philosophy by Han Fei, a prince of the state of Han who studied under the Confucian scholar Xunzi. Despite being a stutterer who could not speak persuasively, his writings so impressed the King of Qin that Qin invaded Han partly to acquire Han Fei's services. He was later poisoned in a Qin prison by his former classmate Li Si.
Historical Context
Han Fei synthesized the Legalist traditions of Shang Yang (emphasizing law), Shen Buhai (emphasizing administrative technique), and Shen Dao (emphasizing power/authority) into a comprehensive political philosophy. His work draws heavily on Daoist concepts, particularly Laozi's ideas of emptiness and non-action, reinterpreting them as techniques of governance rather than personal cultivation.
The ten chapters presented here represent the core of his political theory, his most famous parables, and his direct engagement with the Warring States diplomatic situation.