About Mozi
-470 - -391
Biography
Biography
Mozi (c. 470-391 BCE), named Di, was a thinker, educator, scientist, and military strategist during the late Spring and Autumn period and early Warring States period, and the founder of the Mohist school. Born into the artisan class, he deeply understood the sufferings of common people. The Mohist school he founded was called a "prominent school" alongside Confucianism and had enormous influence during the pre-Qin period. Mozi advocated universal love, non-aggression, meritocracy, and conformity, reflecting the interests and demands of ancient working people.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Mohist thought centered on "universal love," advocating "love without discrimination" and opposing Confucian hierarchical concepts. Politically, it advocated "meritocracy" and "conformity," selecting the virtuous and capable, and unifying government orders. Militarily, it advocated "non-aggression," opposing wars of aggression. Economically, it advocated "frugality" and "simple burials," opposing luxury and waste.
Major Works
Major Works
The book "Mozi," including chapters such as "Universal Love," "Against Aggression," "Meritocracy," "Conformity," "Will of Heaven," "Explaining Ghosts," "Against Fatalism," "Against Music," "Frugality," and "Simple Burials"
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Mozi was an important thinker in the pre-Qin period, and the Mohist school was called a "prominent school" alongside Confucianism during the Warring States period. His thoughts reflected the interests of ancient working people and had an important impact on later generations. Mohist achievements in science and technology also contributed to the development of ancient Chinese science.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Mohist thought had enormous influence during the Warring States period. Although it later declined, its ideas of equality and universal love continued to inspire later generations. Since modern times, Mozi's thoughts have received renewed attention and are considered to embody democratic and scientific spirit, still having important value for modern society.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Universal love, non-aggression, meritocracy, conformity, will of heaven, explaining ghosts, against fatalism, against music, frugality, simple burials
Quotes by Mozi
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
Those with weak willpower cannot achieve true wisdom, and those whose words lack credibility cannot accomplish their actions.
志不强者智不达，言不信者行不果。
Source: Mozi - Chapter on Self-Cultivation