Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This second chapter on exalting worthies reinforces meritocracy as core governance. Mozi puts forward three empowerment essentials, cites sage kings’ promotion of humble talents and tyrants’ nepotism failures, and takes Heaven’s impartiality as his theoretical basis.
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.
The Master said, “In education, there should be no distinction among classes.”
The Master said, “Those who studied ritual and music before entering government were commoners from the countryside; those who entered government first and then studied ritual and music were nobles (junzi). If I were to choose whom to employ, I would follow the former group.”
6.6 The Master said of Ran Yong, “If the offspring of a brindled ox is ruddy-coated and has grown its horns, however much people might hesitate to use it, would the hills and streams really reject it?”