Mozi: The Works of Master Mo

Mozi is a compilation of the writings of the early Warring States thinker Mo Di (Mozi) and his disciples and later followers, serving as the core text of the pre-Qin Mohist school. Alongside Confucianism, Mohism was regarded as a prominent school of thought, exerting immense influence during the Warring States period. The original text consisted of seventy-one chapters, of which fifty-three survive today. Its contents encompass political ethics, logical reasoning, science and technology, and military defense, presenting a worldview distinctly different from Confucianism and imbued with a strong spirit of pragmatism.

In ethical and political terms, Mozi advocated for "universal love," "non-aggression," "honoring the worthy," "moderation in use," and "opposition to music," opposing hierarchical privilege and wars of aggression while emphasizing the evaluation of policies based on practical benefits and the welfare of the people. His doctrine of "universal love" called for breaking down distinctions of kinship, status, and wealth, bearing a radical egalitarian character for its time. In epistemology, Mozi valued experience and verification, proposing the "threefold test" as a standard for judging right and wrong, thus pioneering Chinese logic.

Mozi also preserves a wealth of ancient scientific and technological records, including optics (such as the pinhole imaging), mechanics, geometry, and the construction of siege defense devices, showcasing the high rationality of pre-Qin artisans and scholars. Its prose style is plain yet vigorous, frequently employing dialogue and argumentation; it includes renowned political essays like "Universal Love" and "Non-Aggression," as well as classic narratives such as "Gongshu," which recounts Mozi's successful effort to halt the state of Chu's invasion of Song.

Although Mohist studies were once interrupted for an extended period, Mozi remains an essential text for understanding the pluralistic landscape of ancient Chinese thought as a key component of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Combining moral ideals, logical methods, and technical practice, it embodies the often-underestimated spirit of pragmatism and innovation within Chinese civilization.