Mozi (Mo Di)
Love all human beings without distinction: this is the one rule that brings the world peace.
Life
Chinese thinker (c. 470-391 BCE), founder of the Mohist school and a critic of the Confucians. He teaches impartial care (jian'ai): treating others as one's own, which would end wars and theft. He judges institutions and rites by their benefit to the people and condemns wars of aggression. He matters for the questions on morality and justice.
Main works
Defends impartial care as the remedy for the world's disorders.
Condemns wars of aggression as crime on a large scale.
In his own words
« If everyone under heaven loved without distinction, states would not attack each other, families would not disturb each other, there would be no thieves or bandits, and rulers and subjects, fathers and sons would all be dutiful and kind: then the world would be well ordered. »
若使天下兼相愛，國與國不相攻，家與家不相亂，盜賊無有，君臣父子皆能孝慈，若此則天下治。
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceHeaven has a will that loves all and rewards the good, and spirits exist to watch over conduct.
Mozi, chap. Tian zhi (La volonté du Ciel) et Ming gui
Doctrines are judged by three standards: the deeds of the ancient sage kings, what people see and hear, and practical use; two of the three rest on experience.
Mozi, chap. Fei ming (Contre le destin)
He rejects fatalism: effort and government decide whether people prosper, not a fixed destiny.
Mozi, chap. Fei ming (Contre le destin)
The right is what benefits all; impartial care (jian ai) is justified by its good effects for the world.
Mozi, chap. Jian ai (L'amour universel)
Heaven's will is the objective standard of right, above ruler and custom.
Mozi, chap. Tian zhi (La volonté du Ciel)