Han Feizi

Han Feizi was an influential Chinese philosopher during the Warring States period (approximately 280-233 BCE) and a key figure in the development of Legalism. He emphasized the importance of strict laws and governance, arguing that human nature is inherently selfish and requires control through clear rules and harsh punishments. Han Feizi believed that a strong, centralized authority was necessary to maintain social order and achieve stability. His ideas contributed to the foundation of bureaucratic governance in imperial China and shaped legal and political thought for centuries. His work remains significant in discussions of statecraft and ethics in governance.