Quotes from Han Fei

He who is vain and delights in his own ability is deceived by his inferiors. When he likes to bring forth arguments and kindliness, his inferiors take advantage of his abilities.

The intelligent ruler does not value people who are of themselves good without rewards and punishments. Why is that? The laws of the state cannot be neglected, and it is not one man who is being ruled.

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

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

If a ruler of men wants to put an end to vice, he must examine the correspondence between form and name and look to see how what is said differs from what is done.

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