The Contradiction Between Ideals and Realities:An Analysis of Han Fei's Theory of the Mediocre Monarch
In the late Warring States period,in response to the reality of mediocre people often occupying the throne and the trend of gradual centralization of monarchical power,Han Fei attempted to design a practical theory to serve the"mediocre monarch".However,those who can truly govern the state as he proposed,by employing"Fa"(法)"Shu"(术)and"Shi"(势)prioritizing public interest,restraining personal desires,and ultimately exerting their utmost efforts,are not the so-called"mediocre monarch"as he defined.There are inherent contradictions in Han Fei's theory of monarchy,as the openness,stability,and fairness of"Fa"(法)are difficult to reconcile with the secrecy and exclusivity of"Shu"(术)and"Shi"(势)making it even harder for the"mediocre monarch"to master them.Han Fei's excessively high expectations of the"mediocre monarch"deviate from his original intention to serve them.In order to achieve an ideal era of rule where the monarch governs effortlessly,Han Fei's theory implies a hidden desire to transform the"mediocre monarch"into an"enlightened ruler".But this notion remains unattainable due to the lack of internal and external motivations within the monarch,revealing the contradiction between ideals and realitiies in Han Fei's thinking.
Han FeiTheory of the Mediocre MonarchMonarchy"Fa"(法)