Shangjun Shu. Han Feizi

Author: Shang Yang
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, a renowned Legalist work by Han Feizi of the late Warring States period, primarily discusses the principles of state governance according to the Legalist school. To put it succinctly, Han Feizi advocates for the fusion of Confucianism, Taoism, and Legalism, with the Legalist approach being the central means of governance. Thus, the book is also essential reading for those studying pre-Qin thought. Although his theories on governance by means and governance by power are often criticized by ordinary people, not reading his work would leave one bewildered about Chinese society, understanding only the "what" but not the "why." As for the writings of Shang and Han, they are often lengthy treatises with sharp pens, meticulous analysis, and many insightful and brilliant phrases. They are indeed models of classical Chinese argumentative prose, and reading them will undoubtedly benefit anyone seeking to improve their own writing.