Han Feizi Jijiě

Author: Wang Xianshèn (Qing Dynasty)
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Publication Date: Not available
Features: The "Zishu" (Philosophical Works) are an important part of China's ancient classics. The earliest of "Zishu" emerged during the late Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, when the Hundred Schools of Thought were flourishing, and many of them are precious crystallizations of ancient Chinese philosophy and culture. After the Qin and Han dynasties, numerous philosophers and scholars wrote similar works, including many outstanding ones. In the 1950s, Zhonghua Book Company revised and reprinted the "Zishu Jicheng" (Comprehensive Collection of Philosophical Works) published by the original Shijie Book Company before the founding of the People's Republic of China. This series of books compiled the results of Qing Dynasty scholars' collation and annotation of "Zishu," making them suitable for academic research. However, it did not include the new achievements of scholars in recent decades, especially after the founding of the People's Republic of China, in organizing "Zishu." The collection of "Zishu" varieties was not extensive, and there were still many errors in punctuation and typesetting, so it was decided to re-edit and publish a new "Comprehensive Collection of Philosophical Works." Han Feizi is the culmination of pre-Qin Legalist thought. He summarized the ideas of Shang Yang, Shen Buhai, and Shen Dao, proposing a legal theory that combines law, technique, and power. He believed that the ruler should rely on authority and prestige, as well as a set of techniques for controlling subordinates, to ensure the implementation of laws and strengthen the ruler's position. He also inherited Xunzi's theory of human nature as evil, advocating that governance should be based on punishment and rewards.