The word “Mozi” refers to a Chinese philosopher and founder of the philosophical school of Mohism, which emerged during the Hundred Schools of Thought period in ancient China. Etymologically, “Mozi” is derived from the philosopher’s name, Mo Di (墨翟), which literally means “Master Mo.”

The character “墨” (Mò) is his surname, and “翟” (Dí) is his given name. The name “Mozi” is commonly used to refer to him and his philosophical teachings.

Key aspects of Mozi’s philosophy include:

1. Universal Love and Utilitarianism: Mozi advocated for the principle of “universal love” or “inclusive care” (jianai, 兼愛), which proposed that people should treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. This principle extended beyond kinship ties and emphasized the importance of caring for all people equally. Mozi believed that fostering mutual benefit and avoiding harm to others was crucial for social harmony and stability.
2. Rejecting Excessive Rituals and Ceremonies: Unlike Confucianism, which emphasized rituals and ceremonies as a means to maintain social order, Mozi criticized excessive rituals as wasteful and advocated for a simpler way of life. He believed that excessive focus on rituals led to social inequality and wasted resources.
3. Practicality and Utilitarianism: Mozi emphasized the importance of practical knowledge and believed that all actions should be evaluated based on their utility and benefit to society. He advocated for the use of technology and engineering for the betterment of society, such as the development of defensive military technologies.
4. Pacifism and Anti-War Stance: Mozi was strongly opposed to warfare and violence. He believed that wars caused immense suffering and destruction and advocated for defensive warfare only when absolutely necessary. Mozi proposed that disputes between states should be resolved through peaceful negotiation and diplomacy rather than military conflict.
5. Meritocracy: Mozi believed in meritocracy and argued that people should be appointed to positions of authority based on their abilities and virtues rather than their social status or birth.

Overall, Mozi’s philosophy centered around the promotion of universal love, practicality, social harmony, and moral righteousness, making significant contributions to the intellectual landscape of ancient China.