Subject
China -- Politics and government -- To 221 B.C. Books
Best books
active 4th century B.C. Liezi
列子
"列子 by active 4th century B.C. Liezi" is a Taoist text attributed to philosopher Lie Yukou, though scholars believe its current form was compiled around the 4th century CE. Divided into eight chapters named after legendary rulers and philosophers, the work explores Taoist principles through stories and teachings. It shares many passages with other ancient Chinese texts like the Zhuangzi, raising questions about its authenticity. The collection includes discussions of pure experience, harmony with nature, and controversially features a chapter on hedonistic philosophy that contrasts sharply with its other Daoist content.
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.
Yang Shang
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.
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