In the bright starry sky of the pre-Qin Legalists, Han Feizi is undoubtedly a dazzling star. His Legalist thoughts, sharp and profound, have had a profound impact on later generations.
Han Feizi's theory of human nature is based on his deep insight into human nature. He believes that human nature is inherently evil, people's behavior is driven by profits, and it is human nature to pursue self-interest. This view is completely different from the Confucian view of "human nature is inherently good", but it is closer to the complexity and multifaceted nature of human beings in reality.
In Han Feizi's view, the reason why people obey the law and follow morality is not out of inner kindness, but because they are afraid of punishment or pursue profits. This profit-driven behavior model forms the core of Han Feizi's theory of human nature.
Han Feizi believes that without the drive of interests, people will not take the initiative to do things. Although this view may seem pessimistic, it is a profound insight into human nature.
In real life, we can indeed see that many people's actions are driven by profit. Whether it's work, study, or social activities, people tend to weigh the pros and cons and choose the behavior that is best for them. This profit-driven behavior model has promoted the development and progress of society to a certain extent.
However, Han Feizi does not advocate indulging people's selfish interests. He believes that law and morality are important means to restrain people's behavior. By enacting strict laws and ethical norms, it is possible to guide people to pursue legitimate interests and curb improper desires. In this way, society can maintain relative stability.
Han Feizi mentions: "The ministers do their best to fight with the city, and the king is with the city." When the monarch and the minister, it is not the relationship between father and son, and the count is also out. ”
The relationship between a monarch and a minister is not based on family affection or friendship, but on the exchange of interests. Courtiers serve the monarch in order to obtain knighthood and status; And the monarch bestows the status of the courtiers and viscounts in exchange for their loyalty and service. This kind of relationship of exchange of interests is normal in Han Feizi's view.
Another example, there is a story in "Han Feizi": "Zheng County's Buzi made his wife pants, and his wife asked: 'What are the pants like today?' The husband said, "Like my old pants." 'The wife is like the old pants because of the destruction of the new order. "This story teaches us that people tend to get used to old things and patterns and are reluctant to change. The reason behind this is precisely because change requires additional effort and cost, and maintaining the status quo is more in line with people's interests.
In real life, we should not look at human nature too ideally, but should recognize that there are often complex interests behind people's behavior. Only by confronting this can we better understand human behavior and choices.
In Han Feizi's view, law and morality are important means to restrain people's behavior. By enacting strict laws and ethical norms, it is possible to guide people to pursue legitimate interests and curb improper desires. This is of great significance for maintaining social order and stability.
Although Han Feizi emphasizes a profit-driven model of behavior, he does not advocate self-indulgence. On the contrary, he believes that people should pursue their interests through legitimate means and means. This positive attitude is of great significance for promoting social development and progress.
In practical life, we can use Han Feizi's perspective to understand and explain many social phenomena.
For example, in the business field, the reason why companies are constantly innovating and improving products is to pursue a larger market share and profits; In the political field, politicians formulate various policies and regulations in order to maintain social stability and promote national development. On a personal level, the reason why we study and work hard is to realize our own values and pursue a better life. Behind these behaviors are hidden the drive and appeal of interests.
At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the limitations of Han Feizi's view. If human behavior is completely driven by profit, then we may ignore other important factors in human nature, such as emotions, beliefs, morals, etc. These factors also have a profound impact on human behavior.
Therefore, in understanding and applying Han Feizi's viewpoint, we need to maintain a comprehensive and objective attitude, not only to see the complexity and reality of human nature, but also to see other beautiful aspects of human nature.