Mozi

Mozi or Mo-tzu (470?-391? bc), early Chinese philosopher (see Chinese Philosophy) and founder of the school of philosophy called Mohism, who developed strict rationalistic tests for evaluating the truth and utility of all propositions. Mozi probably began as a follower of Confucius. In response to the violent civil disharmony of the period, philosophers attempted to discover the principles for creating order. Confucianism stressed the importance of filial piety, career advancement based on age and status, and absolute reverence for the past. Mozi countered the Confucians by emphasizing rationalistic standards, making Mohism the most logically oriented school of Chinese philosophy. According to Mozi, government should be centralized, with advancement depending on merit, and standards should be applied uniformly. His aim was to benefit all people and classes in accordance with his creed, known as Universal Love. Mozi presented a view of heaven as, itself, a living god (Tian). He also posited that, since God loves all human beings regardless of their position, people should act similarly. For Mozi, the highest possible good was to sacrifice oneself for the benefit of society.

For the rest of his life, Mozi wandered between states, teaching rulers and trying to prevent war. After Mozi's death, his school was organized as a quasi-military brotherhood under a Grand Master and supported nonaggression through mastery of defensive warfare and fortification. Mohism died out after the Qin-dynasty (221-206 bc) eradication of early philosophical schools by First Emperor Shi Huangdi in 213 bc. The school has attracted attention in the late 20th century due to its parallels with Christianity and Marxism.