Han Fei Tzu: Basic Writings Book

Han Feizi was the creator of the Legalist philosophy. Unlike many earlier philosophers, it is believed that he wrote the text primarily on his own. According to a historian named Sima Qian, Han Feizi studied under Xunzi. I found this to be particularly interesting because Xunzi was a Confucian philosopher and there is a great rift between the two schools of thought. Though when reading Han Feizi there is a strong sense of Xunzi's writing style. For example, like Xunzi, Han Feizi gives strict titles for actions and behaviors and makes it appear that you have no choice and can make no argument with what is ultimately his opinion on the matter. I will demonstrate the similarities below with examples from the two text.
From Xunzi:
"To lead others along in what is good is called "teaching". To harmonize with others in what is good is called "proper compliance". To lead others along in what is bad is called "flattery." (Page 262)
From Han Feizi:
"To kill or execute- this is what is meant by "punishment". To venerate or reward- this is what is meant by "favor". (Page 323)
Unfortunately this is something I find to be very annoying because it gives me a sense of taking away free will and personal opinion. But this really makes sense with Han Feizi because legalism believes that people are naturally evil and will always try to avoid punishment while in the process of chasing gains. It supports a strict law and harsh punishments. Han Feizi also reminded me of "The Prince" by the renaissance writer Machiavelli. A lot of the book read like a guide book for rulers on the proper way to rule, as well as punish. Very much like The Prince, though perhaps a bit more extreme and harsh.