Mozi

Chinese plain 5c. BC-en

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Chongwu city wall

Half Portraits of the Great Sage and Virtuous Men of Old - Meng Ke (孟軻)

Mozi

Mozi (Chinese: 墨子; pinyin: Mòzǐ; c. 470 – c. 391 BC), also known by his birth name Mo Di (墨翟), was a Chinese philosopher who lived during the Warring States period. He founded the school of Mohism, which argued against Confucianism and Daoism. Mozi's philosophies are recorded in the book also named Mozi, which contains his thoughts on a wide range of topics including ethics, logic, and science. His teachings emphasized universal love (jian ai), meritocracy, and the importance of practical, utilitarian solutions to social issues.

Life

Little is known about the life of Mozi. Historical records suggest he was born in what is now Tengzhou, Shandong Province. Unlike the aristocratic Confucius, Mozi came from a lower social class, possibly that of an artisan. His background influenced his philosophical outlook, which was distinctly more egalitarian than that of his contemporaries. Mozi traveled extensively throughout China to spread his ideas, engaging in public debates with followers of other schools.

Philosophy

Mozi's philosophy challenged the dominant Confucian ideals of his time. He criticized Confucian emphasis on ritual and music, arguing that these did not contribute to the welfare of the people. Instead, Mozi promoted a philosophy of universal love (jian ai), asserting that people should care for the well-being of others as much as their own. He believed this principle would lead to a more harmonious and prosperous society.

Universal Love

The concept of universal love was revolutionary in Mozi's time. He argued that partiality and favoritism caused social strife and conflict. By treating others with the same respect and care as one's own family, Mozi believed society could avoid conflict and injustice.

Meritocracy

Mozi was a strong proponent of meritocracy, arguing that leadership positions should be based on ability and moral integrity rather than birthright or aristocratic privilege. This was in direct opposition to the Confucian system, which often favored aristocratic lineage over competence.

Against Fatalism

Mozi also argued against fatalism, the belief that human efforts cannot change predestined outcomes. He believed that human action could influence the future and that it was important to act morally and with purpose to bring about positive change.

Impact

Mozi's teachings had a significant impact during the Warring States period, but his influence waned after the rise of the Qin Dynasty, which favored legalistic and Confucian doctrines. However, Mohism's emphasis on practicality and efficiency influenced later Chinese thought, including legalism and some aspects of Neo-Confucianism.

Despite being overshadowed by Confucianism and Daoism in later periods, Mozi's ideas have seen a resurgence in interest among modern scholars. His work is recognized for its insights into ethics, political philosophy, and its early advocacy of meritocratic governance and social welfare.

Works

The Mozi is the primary source of Mozi's teachings. The text is divided into several sections, covering topics such as ethics, government, and military defense. Unlike many other philosophical texts of the time, the Mozi is notable for its structured arguments and use of logic.

See Also

• Confucianism
• Daoism
• Legalism
• Chinese philosophy