Mencius Complete Translation (Essential Edition)

Author: Zhou Caihuai / Translated by Qi Ruieduan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1995-12-01
Features: The Complete Translation of Mozi is one volume in the series of Complete Translations of Famous Works Throughout Chinese History. The translated and annotated fifty-three chapters of Mozi represent the essence and core of Mohism. Mozi is a compilation of writings by Mozi, his disciples, and later scholars. Mohism and Confucianism were both considered the "preeminent schools" during the transition from the Spring and Autumn Period to the Warring States Period, surpassing all other Hundred Schools of Thought. The progressiveness, thoroughness, and influence of Mohism far exceeded those of the Daoist, Legalist, and other schools, and in some aspects, it even surpassed Confucianism. The strength of Mohism lies in:
- Mohism serves as a critical weapon, sharply critiquing the unreasonable aspects of history and reality through concepts such as "Against War," "Against Confucianism," "Against Music," and "Against Fate."
- At the same time, it proposes ideals for building a reasonable society through concepts like "Promoting Unity," "Promoting Meritocracy," "Universal Love," and "Frugality." It breaks through old norms while establishing new ones, representing the interests of the working class, particularly peasants and artisans, and thus gained broad support among the lower classes.
- Mohism advocates and practices the critique of weapons. Its disciples formed a highly disciplined armed group skilled in military defense, willing to risk their lives to rescue invaded and weak nations.
- In both theoretical and practical aspects of natural sciences (optics, mechanics, chemistry) and social sciences (ethics, logic, etc.), Mohism stood out and was unmatched by other schools, fully reflecting the great wisdom of ancient working people. In certain fields, its theories were ahead of the world at the time.
In summary, the rational core of Mohism is widely recognized as a pride of the Chinese nation and even world intellectual and cultural history, as a rich and invaluable cultural heritage awaiting development. Mozi, as a great thinker, politician, military strategist, educator, scientist, and social activist from the working class, who "would endure hardship for the benefit of all," deserves in-depth study and learning.