Hanfeizi
I. Early Years
A. He was born in 280 BCE as a prince of the royal family in the state of Han.
B. He lived during the transition of the Warring States period and the Zhou dynasty.
II. Significant Events
A. Qin dynasty ceased control of China. They adopted strict Legalist ideas in their desire to build a
strong government and a well-run society.
B. Under governments that were influenced by Legalist ideas, people who were disloyal or committed
crimes were severely punished or killed.
III. Personal Attributes
A. Believed in strict obedience of the government.
B. He was a proponent of clearly written laws.
IV. Contributions
A. He started the school of thought that everyone must obey the state’s ruler and contribute to the
army and food production.
B. Legalism ideals influenced Qin Shihuangdi who used them to unify China.
V. My Impressions
A. I think that it is necessary to be strict because it keeps everything in order.
B. I believe in consequences for not following rules, but I think death and brutality are extreme.
A. He was born in 280 BCE as a prince of the royal family in the state of Han.
B. He lived during the transition of the Warring States period and the Zhou dynasty.
II. Significant Events
A. Qin dynasty ceased control of China. They adopted strict Legalist ideas in their desire to build a
strong government and a well-run society.
B. Under governments that were influenced by Legalist ideas, people who were disloyal or committed
crimes were severely punished or killed.
III. Personal Attributes
A. Believed in strict obedience of the government.
B. He was a proponent of clearly written laws.
IV. Contributions
A. He started the school of thought that everyone must obey the state’s ruler and contribute to the
army and food production.
B. Legalism ideals influenced Qin Shihuangdi who used them to unify China.
V. My Impressions
A. I think that it is necessary to be strict because it keeps everything in order.
B. I believe in consequences for not following rules, but I think death and brutality are extreme.