During the Warring States period, Duke Xiao of Qin intended to appoint Shang Yang to implement reforms. These reforms aimed to elevate the status of farmers and soldiers, but they were met with opposition from officials Gan Long and Du Zhi.

Shang Yang argued his case forcefully, stating that Gan Long's opinions were merely conventional wisdom; such individuals could only be content with old customs, immersed in what they had heard, merely 'holding office and abiding by existing laws.'

Shang Yang asserted that implementing new laws would enrich the state, strengthen its military, and allow it to dominate the other feudal states.