Mencius vs Mozi

Mencius debated Gaozi on whether human nature is inherently good or neutral. Mencius argued that humans possess four innate sprouts of virtue (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom) that must be cultivated. This debate shaped Confucian moral psychology.

Mencius advised King Xuan of Qi on benevolent governance, arguing that a ruler's legitimacy depends on the people's welfare. He criticized the king for failing to implement humane policies. This encounter exemplified Mencius's political philosophy of the people's primacy.

Mencius's disciples compiled his dialogues and teachings into the Mencius, a text of seven chapters. The work argues for innate human goodness and the right of the people to overthrow unjust rulers. It became one of the Four Books of Neo-Confucianism.

Mozi established the Mohist school of philosophy, which directly challenged Confucianism. The school promoted universal love, meritocracy, and pacifism, and developed rigorous logical argumentation, attracting a large following during the Warring States period.

Mozi and his followers developed sophisticated defensive siegecraft and military strategy to protect small states from aggression. They wrote treatises on fortification and counter-siege techniques, which were later compiled in the Mozi text.

The core philosophical and technical writings of Mozi and his disciples were compiled into the Mozi text. This work contains the earliest known Chinese logical treatises, including discussions on geometry, optics, and mechanics, as well as ethical and political doctrines.