SHEN BUHAI Meaning and
Definition
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Shen Buhai, also known as Shenzi, was a prominent Chinese philosopher and statesman who lived during the 4th century BCE. He was one of the key figures in the Legalist school of thought and is considered one of the founding fathers of Chinese administrative science.
In his classic work, "Shenzi" or "Book of Lord Shang," Shen Buhai presented his philosophy on governance and the art of ruling. His ideas greatly influenced subsequent Legalist thinkers such as Han Feizi and Li Si, who played crucial roles in the establishment of the Qin Dynasty.
Shen Buhai emphasized the importance of efficient administration, advocating for the establishment of a centralized and efficient bureaucracy. He believed that a ruler's authority should be based on merit and competence, rather than inherited status. Shen Buhai emphasized the need for clear and concise laws to govern society, as well as strict enforcement and impartial judgment to maintain social order.
Furthermore, Shen Buhai introduced the concept of "shu" or "technique." He argued that successful rulers should possess a deep understanding of the techniques required to govern effectively, including administrative skills, strategic planning, and the ability to win the support and loyalty of their subjects. According to Shen Buhai, the ruler's power lies in his mastery of these techniques.
Overall, Shen Buhai's ideas continue to be highly regarded for their practicality and effectiveness in governance. His work remains a valuable resource for scholars and students of political science, as well as those interested in the development of Chinese political thought.
Etymology of SHEN BUHAI
The word "Shen Buhai" is a combination of two Chinese characters, "Shen" (申) and "Buhai" (不害). Here is the breakdown of the etymology of each character:
1. "Shen" (申):
The character "Shen" has multiple meanings in Chinese. However, in the context of "Shen Buhai", it specifically refers to the surname of an ancient Chinese philosopher and political theorist named Shen Dao (申*子*). Shen Dao was one of the major proponents of Legalism, a school of thought in ancient China that emphasized strong central governance based on strict laws and regulations.
2. "Bu" (不):
The character "Bu" means "not" or "without" in Chinese. It is a negation particle used to negate the meaning of the following character.
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