Shangjun Shu. Han Feizi

Author: Zhang Jueodian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Shang Yang is a pivotal figure in Chinese history. Liang Qichao ranked him as one of China's six great political figures. The Shangjun Shu, which expounds on his political and military thoughts, has long been regarded as an important classic of the Legalist school in pre-Qin China. Han Feizi, written by Han Feizi, a renowned Legalist thinker of the late Warring States period, primarily elaborates on the principles of Legalist governance.
Book Description:
Shang Yang is a pivotal figure in Chinese history. Liang Qichao ranked him as one of China's six great political figures. The Shangjun Shu, which expounds on his political and military thoughts, has long been regarded as an important classic of the Legalist school in pre-Qin China. Han Feizi, written by Han Feizi, a renowned Legalist thinker of the late Warring States period, primarily elaborates on the principles of Legalist governance. In essence, Han Feizi synthesizes Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism, placing emphasis on Legalism as the means of governance. Therefore, his work is essential reading for those studying pre-Qin scholarship. Although his theories of governance by technique (shu) and governance by power (shi) are often criticized by ordinary people, not reading his work would leave one bewildered about Chinese society, understanding its appearance but not its underlying reasons. As for the writings of Shang Yang and Han Feizi, they are often lengthy and incisive, with sharp analysis and insightful observations. They serve as exemplary models of classical Chinese argumentative prose, and reading them will undoubtedly benefit one's own writing skills.