Forget Quote by Han Fei
“If ministers forget their ruler and establish relationships with foreign powers in order to advance the interests of their confederates, there will be scant reason for subordinates to obey their superiors.”
About This Quote
Source Classical Text: Han Feizi, 3rd century BC
Neglecting the ruler erodes loyalty; foreign ties weaken internal obedience.
In simple terms: Forgetting ruler harms obedience.
Key Takeaway
Maintain allegiance to rightful authority.
Themes
loyalty
authority
politics
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- military command
Key Concepts
legalism
statecraft
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes loyalty genuine?
- When is foreign influence justified?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on authority can suppress dissent.
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
![“[T]he kingdom of God... is to be a political institution that shall hold sway over all the earth; to which all other governments will be subordinate and by which they will be dominated.” quote by B. H. Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c8b/b-h-roberts-42473_earth_t-he-kingdom-of-god-is-to-be-a-political_51017.jpg)
