Mozi (Translations from the Asian Classics) [Paperback]

Burton Watson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0231130015 | ISBN-13: 978-0231130011 | Publication Date: May 15, 2003

Mozi (fifth century B.C.) was an important political and social thinker and formidable rival of the Confucianists. He advocated universal love -- his most important doctrine according to which all humankind should be loved and treated as one's kinfolk -- honoring and making use of worthy men in government, and identifying with one's superior as a means of establishing uniform moral standards. He also believed in the will of Heaven and in ghosts. He firmly opposed offensive warfare, extravagance -- including indulgence in music and allied pleasures -- elaborate funerals and mourning, fatalistic beliefs, and Confucianism.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

About the Author

Burton Watson is one of the world's best-known translators from the Chinese and Japanese. He received the PEN translation prize in 1981. His translations include The Lotus Sutra, The Vimalakirti Sutra, Ryokan: Zen Monk-Poet of Japan, Saigyo: Poems of a Mountain Home, and The Columbia Book of Chinese Poetry: From Early Times to the Thirteenth Century, all published by Columbia. This book presents Watson's renowned translation of a Chinese philosophy classic in pinyin romanization for the first time.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (May 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231130015
• ISBN-13: 978-0231130011
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #216,195 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Confucianism

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique voice from Chinese history, May 22, 2004

By 

wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Mozi (Translations from the Asian Classics) (Paperback)

In fact, according to the translator's notes, the voice is so distinct from other Chinese tradition that some claimed Mozi was not Chinese at all.

Mozi's philosophy was based on universal love, treating everyone with the respect due to one's family. In Confucian China, this was a radical and subversive notion. It undermined the traditional notions of filial piety, even social hierarchy, since it eliminated the special status of one's own parents in the web of personal relationships.

He compounded the breach of filial piety by insisting on small, inexpensive funerals and brief mourning periods, also in the name of universal love. Mozi believed completely in the spirits of the dead and in honoring them properly. He believed even more strongly in supporting "the people," usually meaning the farming classes. Confucian funeral garb, coffins, and rituals inflicted staggering costs, and harsh mourning practices literally endangered the mourner's health. Mozi's utilitarian philosophy required that wealth be used to meet the needs of the living, since the dead could not use it. Utilitarianism also argued that mourners should return to normal, productive life as soon as possible, without risking the strength needed for their livelihood.

Most surprisingly, Mozi's universal love justified the militia composed of his followers. Mozi held that the small and weak were of equal standing with the large and strong, and that bullying (or invading) of the weak was unjust. He backed his notion of justice with arms, coming to the defense to small states when unjustly attacked by the larger.

Historically, Mo taught after Confucius (who is treated to special excoration in Mo's text) but before Mencius (who in turn attacks Mo). Mo appears to have been well known down to the current time, even if his actual influence on Chinese history was minor. I wonder, though - his drab utilitarian outlook may eventually have been informed Maoist policy.

This is a brief and enjoyable addition to any set of Eastern classics. It's divergence from the main stream of Chinese philospohical history makes it especially interesting, since it provides contrast to the better-known thinkers.

Perhaps Mozi isn't for every reader, but the serious student is sure to enjoy it.