This chapter collects Mozi’s dialogues with lords and craftsmen. It advocates tailored state policies, condemns aggressive wars, stresses righteousness over profit, and argues teaching universal love outweighs manual labor’s limited gains.
Chapter Ten (Exalting the Worthy III) continues Mohist meritocracy. Mozi criticizes rulers who value kin or looks over talent, uses archery analogies, cites sage kings, and stresses elevating capable commoners to enrich, stabilize and unify the realm.
This Mohist chapter centers on exalting worthy talents as the core of governance. Mozi advocates meritocracy, promoting capable men regardless of humble origins, backed by sage kings’ precedents. He argues enriching and empowering virtuous officials brings national wealth, population growth and stability.
Mohism was one of the major philosophical schools of the pre-Qin period in ancient China. It was founded by Mozi (personal name Di, also romanized as Mo Di).