Han Fei quotes

Han Fei was a Chinese philosopher and a major figure in the development of Legalism during the Warring States period. His writings emphasized the importance of strict laws and centralized control to maintain order in society. He influenced the political philosophy of the Qin dynasty and remains an enduring figure in Chinese intellectual history. Here are 18 of his quotes:

In dealing with those who share his bed, the enlightened ruler may enjoy their beauty but should not listen to their special pleas.

Han Fei

To govern the state by law is to praise the right and blame the wrong.

Han Fei

The way of the ruler is to make certain that, if what a minister says beforehand does not tally with what he says later, or what he says later does not tally with what he has said previously, then although he may have fulfilled his task with distinction, he is condemned to certain punishment. This is what it means to hold your subordinates responsible.

Han Fei

Be immeasurably great, be unfathomably deep; make certain that names and results tally, examine laws and customs, punish those who act willfully, and the state will be without traitors.

Han Fei

Take hold of the handles of government carefully and grip them tightly. Destroy all hope, smash all intention of wresting them from you; allow no man to covet them.

Han Fei

No state is forever strong or forever weak. If those who uphold the law are strong, the state will be strong; if they are weak, the state will be weak.

Han Fei

It is dangerous for a ruler to trust others. He who trusts others can be manipulated by others.

Han Fei

People are submissive to power, and few of them can be influenced by doctrines of righteousness.

Han Fei

Claiming certainty without corroborating evidence is stupid.

Han Fei

The intelligent ruler makes the law select men and makes no arbitrary appointment himself; he makes the law measure merits and makes no arbitrary judgment himself.

Han Fei

A ruler makes use of the majority and neglects the minority, and so he does not devote himself to virtue but to law.

Han Fei

I believe it is impossible to be sure of anything.

Han Fei

A filial son to his father can be a traitorous subject to his ruler.

Han Fei

Superior and inferior wage one hundred battles a day.

Han Fei

Remote fountains are of little help to nearby fires.

Han Fei

From your place of darkness observe the defects of others. See but do not appear to see; listen but do not seem to listen; know but do not let it be known that you know. When you perceive the trend of a man's words, do not change them, do not correct them, but examine them and compare them with the results.

Han Fei