This edition of Mozi features both English and Chinese side-by-side for easy reference and bilingual support. The paragraphs are linked and organized for easy reading.
Mozi (also called Mo Tzu or Master Mo) is one of China's most influential and profound Chinese philosophers. Born in Tengzhou, Shandong Province, China, he founded the school of Mohism that argued strongly against Confucianism and Daoism. His philosophy emphasized self-restraint, self-reflection and authenticity rather than obedience to ritual. During the Warring States period, Mohism was actively developed and practiced in many states but fell out of favour when the legalist Qin Dynasty came to power. During that period, many Mohist classics were ruined when emperor Qin Shi Huang carried out the burning of books and burying of scholars. The importance of Mohism further declined when Confucianism became the dominant school of thought during the Han Dynasty, until mostly disappearing by the middle of the Western Han Dynasty. However, his ideas and influence remain to this day.
This edition also includes a Classical Chinese Quick Study Guide, with an added study reference for the 100 most frequent classical Chinese characters.
Lovely lovely translations. The book reads so smoothly and it is so easy to get. Sadly though, it is not a complete translation and the last part of the text, the treatise on defensive warfare is not translated into English. Even reading the Classical Chinese is really difficult because a lot of the text has been corrupted and certain parts have been miscopied throughout time. Still definitely worth the read!
Sadly overlooked, especially in the West where he is largely unknown, Mo Di (Mozi, or Master Mo to his followers) was a man deeply committed to the welfare of others. He believed that mankind should practice what he called "Universal Love" that is, to strive to treat all others as your own family.
This was extremely radical in his time, far moreso than it is today. Mohists also advocated a non-aggression policy, and argued that only defensive wars ought to be waged.
My only complaint with this edition is that it is incomplete. There are certain chapters that lack translation, and that was a bit frustrating. Still, the price is far lower than Burton Waston's version (which is quite expensive).
At the very least, it is a good introduction to a brilliant thinker.