Mozi -- Basic Collection of Chinese Family Books

Author: Xu Cuilan, translated and annotated by Wang Tao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-03-01
Features: Mozi, surnamed Mo and named Zai, was a native of Lu in the early Warring States period. He was an outstanding ancient Chinese thinker, scientist, educator, social activist, and military strategist. The exact dates of Mozi's birth and death are still uncertain in academia, but his main activities likely occurred between the death of Confucius (551 BC–479 BC) and the life of Mencius (c. 372 BC–289 BC). This book is based on Sun Yirang's Commentary on Mozi (Mozi Jianju), supplemented with annotations and translations. For some excessively long sections, minor were made. Sun's significant textual research findings have been incorporated without further elaboration. The chapters of Mo Jing primarily fall within the scope of logic, while also touching on mathematics, mechanics, and optics. Eleven chapters such as "Preparing for City Gates" and "Preparing for Ladders" belong to the realm of military strategy. The book Mozi extensively covers a wide range of topics, including social, political, economic, educational, industrial and agricultural production, science and technology, and military affairs. It was compiled or collectively created by generations of Mozi followers. The time span extends from the early Warring States period (5th century BC) to the late Warring States period (3rd century BC), nearly three hundred years. Therefore, the Mozi we have today, consisting of fifty-three chapters, varies in authorship, date, and content, requiring separate explanations.