How did hanfezi belive a ruler should govern?

Hanfeizi, a prominent philosopher in Legalism, believed that a ruler should govern through strict laws and harsh punishments to maintain order and control. He argued that human nature is inherently selfish and prone to disorder, so a strong, centralized authority is necessary to enforce regulations and ensure compliance. The ruler's power should be absolute, and the emphasis should be on practical governance rather than moral considerations, as effective administration was seen as the key to a prosperous state.