Author
Yang Shang
Died -338
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Subjects
Books by Yang Shang
商子
"商子" by Yang Shang is an ancient Chinese text from the 3rd century BC, regarded as a foundational work of Chinese Legalism. Named for reformer Shang Yang, who served as minister to Duke Xiao of Qin, the text advocates maintaining social order through impartial laws that strictly reward and punish citizens' actions. It promotes agriculture, discourages secondary activities, and encourages martial virtues for conquest. The work's anti-Confucian philosophy explicitly rejects ancient traditions in favor of pragmatic policies that strengthen the state and benefit the people.
商君書
"商君書" by Shang Yang is an ancient Chinese text from the 3rd century BC, regarded as a foundational work of Chinese Legalism. Named for the major Qin reformer who served as minister from 359 to 338 BC, this composite work includes ordinances, essays, and courtly petitions. It advocates maintaining societal order through impartial laws that strictly distribute rewards and punishments, while promoting agriculture and martial virtues. The text explicitly challenges Confucian traditions, arguing that effective governance requires adapting to present circumstances rather than clinging to ancient practices.