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When all within the four seas have been put in their proper places, [the sage] sits in darkness to observe the light. When those to his left and right have taken their places, he opens the gate to face the world. He changes nothing, alters nothing, but acts with the two handles of reward and punishment, acts and never ceases: this is what is called walking the path of principle.

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Notes from Wikiquote

"Wielding Power", in Han Feizi: Basic Writings (2003)

More quotes by Han Fei

A truly enlightened ruler uses the law to select men for him; he does not choose them himself. He uses the law to weigh their merits; he does not attempt to judge them for himself.

The way is the beginning of all beings and the measure of right and wrong.

To govern the state by law is to praise the right and blame the wrong.

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

Take hold of the handles of government carefully and grip them tightly. Destroy all hope, smash all intention of wresting them from you; allow no man to covet them.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Han Fei (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.