Han Fei (韓非)

Han Fei (韓非)

Han Fei (281 BC-233 BC)

His last name is (Han), his parents gave him the name (Fei), and he was born in Henan Province, China.

韓	The original meaning is the fence surrounding the well, and it is also one of the Chinese surnames.
非	This word means no.

He is one of the most important thinkers in Chinese history.

In his book, he uses many simple parables to illustrate the profound truth.

As an example.

During the Spring and Autumn 

During the Spring and Autumn Period of China, the king of the Qi Kingdom invited a great painter to paint his portrait.

 

During the painting process, the king chatted with the painter.

The king asked the painter a question.

You are a very experienced painter, what do you think is the most difficult to paint?

The painter replied after thinking. I think painting dogs or horses is the most difficult thing.

 

The king asked another question.

So what do you think is the easiest thing to draw?

The painter replied after thinking. I think painting ghosts is the easiest.

 

The king thought these two answers were too interesting. He asked the painter what the reason was.

The painter replied. Around our lives, we see dogs and horses every day, so even if there is only one subtle difference in my painting, it is easy for others to spot.

This is why I think it is difficult.

 

But in our lives, no one has actually seen ghosts.

So even if I paint casually, I can say that this is the ghost I see, and no one can refute me or point out my mistakes.

So I think drawing ghosts is the easiest.

This idiom is used to remind us that we must use objective standards to comment on a matter or opinion.

 

Dear friend, what inspiration or thoughts did you have after hearing this story.

Can you objectively judge the various opinions you put forward? Are your tools for testing your own ideas objective?

I hope this story will give you some new gains.

Who is handsomer, he or me? (門庭若市)

 Who is handsomer, he or me? (門庭若市)

 

During the Warring States Period in China, a minister named (Zou Ji) of the Qi Kingdom was chatting with the king.

(Zou Ji) said suddenly. I want to ask the king a question. Another minister (Gong Xu) and I, who do you think is more handsome?

After the king heard this question, he answered with a smile. I think (Xugong) is more handsome.

The king asked rhetorically. Why do you ask this question?

 

(Zou Ji) answered. I also asked my wife, family and friends about this question. But they all said that I look more handsome than (Xugong).

But if some people who have nothing to do with me answer this question, they all say (Xugong) is more handsome.

So I learned a truth from this experience.

My wife, family and friends, because they prefer me, or fear me, or want to benefit from me, they didn't tell me the truth.

The same situation has happened to you.

You are the king, so everyone wants to please you, so it is harder for you to hear the truth.

 

The king answered. You are so right.

The king immediately issued an order.

If someone can point out his mistakes, that person can be rewarded.

After this order was issued, many people came to point out the king's mistakes.

There were many people who pointed out the king's mistakes, so the entire palace was crowded like a bazaar because of too many people.

 

A few months passed because the king accepted these criticisms and humbly corrected them.

Therefore, fewer and fewer people can point out the king's mistakes.

at the same time. The Qi Kingdom’s national power is getting stronger day by day.

 

This idiom is used to describe a lot of people, like a crowded crowd in a lively market.

Dear friend, what inspiration or thoughts did you have after hearing this story.

Can you be like a king and have the courage to accept others pointing out your shortcomings? Can you be like (Zou Ji) and maintain a clear judgment?

I hope this story will give you some new gains.