Quote by Han Feizi: “When the laws are clear and the punishments severe, the state is strong.”

This quote from a Legalist philosopher argues that a stable and powerful government relies on unambiguous laws and strict enforcement. It suggests that clarity and deterrence are key to maintaining order and state authority, ensuring compliance through fear.

Han Feizi was a major exponent of Legalism during China's Warring States period. He advocated for a centralized, authoritarian state governed by strict laws and a powerful ruler to end the prevailing chaos and disunity.

Chinese political philosopher of the third century BCE who synthesized earlier Legalist ideas into a systematic theory of governance based on law, political technique, and authority rather than moral virtue. His text, the Han Feizi, was highly influential in the unification of China under the Qin dynasty. He died in prison after being outmaneuvered by a rival at the Qin court.