This page interprets Robber Zhi from Zhuangzi. Through Robber Zhi refuting Confucius, it denounces the hypocrisy of Confucian benevolence and righteousness. Two additional dialogues examine harms of fame and wealth, advocating following nature and preserving one’s true self in this highly subversive chapter.
This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Quqie explains its radical critique: safeguards and sage‑made moral systems get hijacked by powerful usurpers. It advocates returning to ancient plain‑simplicity instead of over‑reliance on man‑made institutions.
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).
Mo Di (c. 468–376 BCE), commonly known as Mozi (“Master Mo”), was a seminal thinker, political theorist, and founder of the Mohist school during the transitional period between the Spring and Autumn and Warring States eras of ancient China. Born into a family of humble artisan or small-scale craftsman origins, Mozi possessed exceptional skill…