商君書

by Yang Shang

"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.