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Mozi – Chapter 44
This Later Mohist chapter develops utilitarian “weighing” ethics and formal logic. It defines righteousness as benefit, expounds universal love, distinguishes intent from outcome, and analyzes names, categories, and valid argument rules.
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Mozi – Chapter 43
Chapter 43: Canons and Explanations (II) “Zhi” (Refutation): The opponent affirms this as right and argues for it; I affirm it as wrong and cast doubt on it. “Four-footed beasts” and “living birds” are universal terms covering all things, differing only in scope. If “this is right” is necessary, then all are the same.…
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Mozi – Chapter 42
Chapter 42: Canons and Explanations (I) On Causality and Cognition “Gu” (Cause/Condition) is divided into Minor Cause and Major Cause. A Minor Cause is that which, if present, does not necessarily produce the effect, but if absent, the effect is impossible. It is like a part of a whole, or a point on a…
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Mozi – Chapter 41
Chapter 41: Canons – Part II Rest (Zhi): Staying within a category of motion. Explanation lies in sameness.The coexistence of subject and attribute: Which truly exists? There are four divergent theories.The difficulty of analogical reasoning lies in the difference in size.The Five Elements do not constantly overcome each other. Explanation lies in suitability.Things share…
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Mozi – Chapter 40
Chapter 40: Canons – Part I Cause (Gu): That which is obtained before something is accomplished.Rest (Zhi): Persistence over time.Part (Ti): That which is divided from a whole (Jian).Necessity (Bi): That which does not cease.Cognition (Zhi): The innate material capacity to know.Level (Ping): Having the same height.Deliberation (Lv): The act of seeking.Equal Length (Tong…
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以卵击石 (yǐ luǎn jī shí)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 以卵击石Pinyin: yǐ luǎn jī shíLiteral Meaning: To strike a rock with an egg.Figurative Meaning: It describes overestimating one’s own strength and recklessly challenging a far‑more powerful opponent, which will almost certainly lead to self‑destruction or total defeat. Equivalent to “to kick against the pricks” or “throw an egg against a…