Shang Yang c. 390 BC – 338 BC
Shang Yang (c. 390 BC – 338 BC) was a Chinese philosopher of the Ancient era, associated with Legalism.
Shang Yang, also known as Lord Shang, was a Chinese statesman and philosopher of the Warring States period, the chief minister of the state of Qin under Duke Xiao, and one of the founding figures of the Legalist school of Chinese political thought. Through a series of austere reforms he abolished hereditary privilege, instituted a system of standardized rewards and punishments, registered every household into mutual surveillance groups, and so transformed the agrarian and military power of Qin into the engine that, a century later, would conquer the warring states and found the imperial system. The Book of Lord Shang, traditionally attributed to him, became the classical handbook of Legalist statecraft.
Key facts
- Nationality
- Chinese
- Era
- Ancient
- Movements
- Legalism
Selected quotes
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Attributed to Shang Yang:
“The state is strong by its laws; it is weak by its sentiments.”
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Attributed to Shang Yang:
“Heavy punishments lightly applied keep the people in awe; light punishments heavily applied invite contempt.”
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Attributed to Shang Yang:
“Reward agriculture and warfare; suppress everything else.”
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Attributed to Shang Yang:
“What was wise yesterday may be foolish today; the law must change with the times.”
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Attributed to Shang Yang:
“He who governs by ritual flatters the people; he who governs by law saves them.”
Frequently asked about Shang Yang
- When did Shang Yang live?
- Shang Yang was born in c. 390 BC and died in 338 BC.
- Where was Shang Yang from?
- Shang Yang was a Chinese philosopher of the Ancient era.
- What philosophical movements is Shang Yang associated with?
- Shang Yang was associated with Legalism.
- What was Shang Yang known for?
- Shang Yang, also known as Lord Shang, was a Chinese statesman and philosopher of the Warring States period, the chief minister of the state of Qin under Duke Xiao, and one of the founding figures of the Legalist school of Chinese political thought.
- How many quotes are attributed to Shang Yang?
- There are 5 attributed quotations from Shang Yang in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.