Quote by Han Feizi: “If you want to strengthen the trunk, you must cut off the branches.”

This metaphor illustrates the need for a strong central authority and the elimination of competing powers. It suggests that to consolidate control and make the state powerful, lesser, often distracting, influences must be removed for greater stability.

During the chaotic Warring States period, Han Feizi argued for the supremacy of the central ruler and the need to dismantle feudal powers and local interests that weakened the state, leading to a unified empire.

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.