It is possible to discuss several similarities between the arguments of Han Fei and Athenian envoys. The first is the discussion of punishment and favors in Han Fei or two handles. The two handles are employed by the ruler in order to control the ministers. This way, fear protects the authority of the ruler, and the benefits of favors make them seek the ruler’s favor.
It is similar to the proposition of what would be good for the citizens of Melos Athenians. In Athenian argument, peace cannot be established as it would make their pride crumble, and in the eyes of its allies and citizens, Athens would seem weak. This weakness is what is avoided by the two handles of Han Fei. Athenians try to utilize punishment – the enslavement of Melos’ people.
At the same time, the aggressive oppression of Athenians is the spitting image of the seventh villainy of Hei Fei. The envoys actively taunt the islanders and propose certain death for those who go against their might and authority. Despite the fact that Melos is actively prompting the other side for peaceful negotiations, envoys are trying to execute definitive villainy – enslavement by depending on their military power.
In relation to the belief of Confucius that the ruler’s correct leadership may guide his subjects by setting an example without the need for orders, Han Fei actively critiques this stance. Han Fei’s arguments demonstrate that it is necessary to rule with the discipline employing benefits and punishments. If the orders are perfectly executed, then one may receive the benefits; if not, the tribulation may follow.
In addition, Confucius argued that ruler has to act virtuously with respect to rituals and discipline while considering the happiness of their subjects. However, Han Fei is concerned with this approach as it implies that the subjects will eventually behave in a way that will benefit the ruler. Han Fei refutes the claim as, in his view, the subjects are guided by self-interest as any individual, and given that the ruler may show weakness, they could succumb to the idea of betrayal.
Therefore, it is possible to argue that while Confucius believed that people are naturally good, Han Fei was concerned about natural evil within. Their approaches to rulership differ substantially as the first is concerned about the nourishment of virtuous values; the other considers the need for strict control and believes that many will try to demoralize the ruler. In essence, Han Fei disregards the need for ethics in consideration of an enlightened ruler.