Different from other pre-Qin philosophers, he didn't seem to read much, give lectures or accept apprentices.
On the contrary, I like to meddle around and have a bad temper.
But even so, Mozi was able to gather a large number of followers, come to him for advice and follow him around, so the world called them "Mohists."
There is a wonderful story in Daqin Empire.
At the beginning of Shang Yang's political reform, the law was fierce and even harmed the interests of the old nobles in the Qin Dynasty. Then these old guys quit and began to spread bad words about Shang Yang everywhere, and rumors were flying everywhere.
Educated people also have high rumors. In a few days, the whole state of Qin was preaching that Shang Yang was a cruel official and Qin Quliang was a tyrant.
This also reached the ears of Mohism, so the students of Mohism couldn't sit still. They planned to kill Benqu and Shang Yang at a murder meeting.
Although you are forced to risk your life for Guo Quliang of Qin Dynasty, you only need to find the head of Mohism to explain the situation, and the reputation of Mohism is even greater. The world knows that Mohism is brave and just, and is committed to fighting for the whole world.
2、
This behavior of Mohism is all caused by Mohism.
Because Mozi had been cursing Confucianism long before he wanted to kill Shang Yang. And not only scold Confucianism, but even name Confucius.
The discord between Mozi and Confucianism is well known to the world, and the dispute between the two factions is also very wonderful.
There are many debates that can be seen now, and the scale and intensity are different.
But strangely, every encounter was a great victory for Mozi, and Confucianism did not win once.
The most famous is Mozi Feiru. What does "not" mean?
Is to criticize and attack, I object!
"Mozi Feiru" said that Confucius was trapped between Chen and Cai, eating without worrying, and returning to Lu, seeing his funeral for the public, he had to pay attention to etiquette. If manners are improper, he will not eat or drink. Lutz was puzzled by Confucius' different words and deeds, so Confucius said, "It is shameful to live with a woman, and it is also shameful to live with a woman now." It's good to be alive when you escape, and you should pay attention to your manners when you return to Lu.
Mozi said contemptuously, "It's all your fault!" Then criticize Confucius for hypocrisy, which is superficial and internal.
More sharply, Mozi was quite dissatisfied with Confucius' "respect for ceremony".
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the world was at war, and the people were hungry and cold, wandering around. What etiquette did you do in Confucianism? Let's eat first You can talk, don't engage in production and despise you!
Criticize not only Confucianism but also Confucius. In fact, Mozi criticized many things he didn't like.
There are many chapters in Mozi that begin with "criticism", such as non-attack, non-fate, non-Confucianism and so on. If you don't like it, criticize it, and if you don't like it, manage it.
Why is Mozi's dissatisfaction with society so fierce? With so much knowledge, when a teacher lectures, like Confucius, he can also charge some dried meat for tuition.
3、
This has to start with the origin of Mozi.
According to legend, Mozi was from the Song Dynasty. Some people say that he was from Lu, maybe Chu, or even Indian. The surname "Mo" is rare, so some people think it may be black.
Regardless of Mozi's nationality, it is certain that he was born a pariah. Because Sima Qian, who wrote biographies to almost all the pre-Qin philosophers, never wrote a biography of Mozi, he probably couldn't find any information about Mozi.
Different from Confucius' aristocratic status, Mozi worked hard by himself, was versatile, proficient in mechanical manufacturing and familiar with Feng Shui gossip.
Mozi not only worked by himself, but also asked his children to take part in the work. One of the interview contents of the "entrance examination" is to roll up your pants and see if there is any hair on your legs. Hairlessness means taking part in labor every day, not pampering yourself. Mozi's idea is unique.
Mozi's untouchable background determines his character and who he will speak for.
Hou, the master of crosstalk, once commented: "He has gone through too many hardships and tortures along the way, so he is so cynical."
Perhaps the same is true of Mozi, who was born in poverty and naturally spoke for the people at the bottom. Then came the troubled times when the nobles attacked each other, which caused the displacement of the people. I don't criticize you. Who are you criticizing?
4、
Confucius, who was repeatedly criticized by Mozi, was a nobleman himself, and his mind was also thinking about how to govern the country and level the world. In fact, in order to help the nobles maintain their rule, he also ran around trying to get an official position, but he didn't get it.
The two represent the interests of different groups of people, so it is reasonable to look at each other and even scold each other.
However, among the pre-Qin philosophers, Mohism and Confucianism were the most active participants in social activities. At this point, the two ideas are equally great and positive, and their most fundamental wish is to end this chaotic era as soon as possible, to make the country rich and strong, and to make the people safe.
It's just a different starting point
Mohism after Mozi did not develop like Confucianism.
Confucius chose a way to be an official for his disciples and constantly sent talents to the rulers. Moreover, Confucius' thought finally maintained the stability of the country. All previous dynasties were welcomed and supported by rulers.
Mozi chose a much more difficult road. Their chivalry frightened the rulers. They are always worried that "the knight will violate the ban by force". You criticize this and that all day, which makes the rulers feel uncomfortable and squeezes their living space.
A few years later, Mohist descendants can only hide in the mountains, relying on faith and persistence, for the sake of "martial arts."