Mozi

📘 About This Book

Mozi, Der Mohistische Kanon, präsentiert in deutscher Sprache zentrale Texte des chinesischen Denkers Mo Di. Universelle Liebe, gerechte Ordnung, Sparsamkeit, Verantwortung und Kritik des Angriffskrieges stehen im Mittelpunkt dieser Ausgabe.

📖 Summary

The ancient Chinese text attributed to the thinker Mo Di, known in the West as Mozi, offers a profound and systematic exploration of early philosophical thought that stands as a vital pillar of Asian intellectual history. Spanning a substantial 446 pages, this comprehensive work captures the core tenets of Mohism, a major philosophical school that once rivaled Confucianism during the Warring States period. At the heart of the teachings lies the revolutionary concept of universal love, often translated as jian ai, which challenges the traditional hierarchical and familial loyalties of the era by advocating for equal care and concern for all human beings, regardless of their social standing or relation to one another. This radical egalitarianism is not merely a sentimental emotion but a practical framework for achieving a harmonious and just social order. Mo Di argues that if individuals and rulers truly cared for others as much as they care for themselves, the root causes of societal chaos, exploitation, and strife would vanish. Beyond interpersonal ethics, the text places a heavy emphasis on utilitarian governance, thrift, and social responsibility. Mo Di was a staunch critic of lavish expenditures, extravagant funerals, and elaborate musical rituals, viewing them as an unnecessary drain on state resources that impoverished the common people and disrupted productive labor. Instead, he championed strict frugality and pragmatic efficiency, insisting that every policy and societal custom must be rigorously evaluated based on its tangible contribution to the material welfare, security, and population growth of the state. This empirical approach to ethics anticipates modern consequentialism, measuring the moral value of an action strictly by its beneficial consequences for society at large. Perhaps the most resounding and historically significant element of the work is its fierce, uncompromising critique of offensive warfare. Living in a turbulent era defined by relentless military conquest and interstate violence, Mo Di formulated some of the world's earliest systematic arguments against aggressive military action. He meticulously demonstrated that offensive wars are economically ruinous, morally bankrupt, and catastrophic for both the victor and the vanquished, bringing suffering to millions while yielding no true, lasting benefit. Rather than glorifying martial prowess, the text promotes defensive preparedness coupled with a commitment to diplomatic resolution and international justice. This German-language edition, presenting the Mohist Canon and central texts of Mo Di, provides modern readers with a unique window into an alternative trajectory of Chinese philosophy. It invites a reevaluation of ancient wisdom, showing that ideas concerning universal empathy, resource management, and pacifism have deep roots that continue to resonate with contemporary global challenges. Whether approached as historical philosophy, political theory, or a manual for ethical living, the work challenges readers to rethink their obligations to their fellow human beings and to build a more just and sustainable world.

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