| |
| | Untitled Document |
 | | Hanfeizi, the paradigm legalist, wrote one of the earliest commentaries on the Laozi (purportedly the basic classic of Daoism). |
 | | As Hanfeizi develops Shen Dao's theory, it includes techniques to enhance that natural charisma by elevating the throne, requiring ritual kneeling, kowtowing, debasing forms of address and severe punishment for looking directly into his face, publicizing stories of his strength, accomplishment and skill. |
 | | Hanfeizi also ties it to Laozi's doctrine of taking "no deliberate action." The ruler maintains his situational authority by not expressing desires or decisions, by remaining aloof and mysterious as he observes the process of official decision making. |
| www.hku.hk /philodep/ch/shendao.htm (2035 words) |
|