 The first and best-known argument in favor of dispensing with the past models is presented in the first chapter of the Book of Lord Shang. Shang Yang is cited saying: “there is no single way to order the generation; to benefit the state, one need not imitate antiquity” (Shang jun shu 1:4; Book of Lord Shang 1.4 ). Han Fei explains further: past models are irrelevant not only because they were changing from time to time, but also because we cannot verify exactly what they were. The way of the former paragons is bitterly contested, and those who claim the authority of antiquity—such as adherents of Confucius and Mozi—simply cannot agree on the lessons of the past that are to be applied in the present: “He who claims certain knowledge without examining the issue is a fool; he who relies on things which are impossible to ascertain is an impostor. It is therefore clear that those who rely on former kings, and claim they can determine with certainty [the way of the paragon legendary rulers] Yao and Shun, are either fools or impostors” (Han Feizi 50: 457).