Han Feizi thought model

China · c. 280–233 BCE

A Legalist thinker who prized law, technique, and positional power, and looked coldly at human self-interest.

Perspective

An organization that leans on goodwill breaks down; you should instead design the rules, the authority, and the incentives.

Value model

Individual agency32
Rational inquiry82
Risk awareness85
Social conformity90
Self-overcoming15
Practicality85
Language skepticism45

Decision principles

  • Are you depending on goodwill?
  • Make interests and authority explicit.
  • Design the penalties and the rewards.
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Han Feizi thought model - PluraThink