Mozi
Mozi (묵자), BC 480~390 (90 years old)
He was a philosopher and engineer during the Warring States period, and the founder of Mohism (墨家).
Rarely at the time, he believed in God as a personal being, and argued that just as God bestows impartial love upon us, we should also bestow impartial love upon others, so that a chaotic society can be stabilized. This idea of treating people without distinction and cherishing and taking care of everyone together is called 'universal love (兼愛)', and this love must actually be beneficial to each other (交相利).
He also acknowledged a strict vertical power structure, stating that God can bestow rewards and punishments on the emperor, the emperor can issue orders to officials, and officials can issue orders to the people. He emphasized that those in positions of power should be individuals capable of loving others without discrimination. Furthermore, he criticized Confucianism's family-centered love, arguing that if people prioritize those close to them, society will be fragmented by blood relations and regional connections, ultimately harming the community. He also considered Confucian practices like the three-year mourning period and court music rituals to be extremely inefficient and wasteful.
His egalitarian love gained significant support from numerous laborers and farmers. He also advocated for resource conservation and opposition to war, promoting defensive techniques to prevent unwarranted conflicts. He was also interested in various practical technologies, inventing several, and he recognized the importance of language, undertaking efforts to clarify the meanings of words.
First, avoid meaningless arguments that damage the other person's pride.
When an argument starts, both sides tend to become even more stubborn in their viewpoints than before.
In truth, arguments are meaningless.
If you lose an argument, there's nothing to say.
On the other hand, even if you thoroughly defeat the other person, what good is it?
You might achieve a temporary victory, but that sense of triumph won't last long.
Moreover, victory in an argument comes at the cost of crushing the other person's pride.
Because of the victory you gained by undermining someone else's dignity, you might incur their resentment and suffer the consequences.
When engaging in an argument with someone, you should consider two possible outcomes.
One is a meaningless, superficial victory, and the other is gaining the other person's goodwill.
You cannot achieve both.
Therefore, you should carefully consider what you truly desire.
Second, open your heart with a humble attitude.
Don't be arrogant, but humble, and willingly accept criticism from others,
and correct your mistakes. By embracing a broad-minded perspective, you can absorb the strengths of others and further enhance your own.
While easy to say, this virtue is difficult to put into practice.
Arrogance is unacceptable; humility is the most sincere attitude in life.
The world is vast and full of wondrous things.
Within it, no matter how strong or intelligent an individual may be, they are but a speck of dust in the universe.
There's always someone better than you.
There will always be someone who surpasses you.
Third, don't flaunt your talents excessively.
Wise individuals conceal their brilliance and appear foolish.
Concealing one's brilliance and appearing foolish is not about demonstrating one's low intelligence, but rather
a way to protect oneself, avoid trouble, and better utilize one's abilities.
The pursuit of extraordinariness and uniqueness is a proactive approach to life.
However, if you boast only about yourself and ignore those around you,
you may find it difficult to socialize and cause disgust in others.
Since ancient times, people have been advised to conceal, rather than reveal, their talents.
Understanding this principle allows you to avoid the envy of petty individuals and smoothly progress in your endeavors.
Even if a beautiful woman doesn't step outside, many people desire to meet her.
Instead of striving to show yourself off, focus on building a solid foundation.
Fourth, wise individuals know when, where, and whom to interact with.
Truly intelligent individuals differ from those who merely pretend to be.
While genuinely intelligent individuals bury their intelligence deep within and only use it when necessary,
those who pretend to be intelligent consider it their skill to slander others,
and frequently use it, often falling into the traps they themselves set.
Intelligence is, in essence, an asset.
The crucial question is how and where to utilize this asset.
Using clever tricks too often can easily invite disaster.
Fifth, the skills to confront and avoid petty individuals are essential.
People are broadly categorized into noble individuals (군자) and petty individuals (소인).
Noble individuals are fair and just, but petty individuals are always calculating and manipulative.
Petty individuals, always seeking small advantages and opportunities for freebies,
can even unjustly slander others without restraint,
to the point where it's almost impossible to stop them.
Therefore, exercising caution when interacting with petty individuals is crucial, and it's often better to avoid them than to engage with them.
It is said that you should win the favor of noble individuals but avoid the resentment of petty ones.
Because they can disrupt your entire life.
Therefore, never underestimate petty individuals.
Noble individuals may not befriend petty individuals, but they must learn to deal with and avoid them.
Sixth, don't keep flatterers close.
People try to avoid incurring the anger of others in their homes and communities.
As a result, most people try to please others with kind words,
and are reluctant to speak unpleasant truths for fear of incurring others' dislike.
Of course, speaking kindly isn't a bad thing.
However, the problem is that if a friend only says things that are pleasant to hear, they aren't fulfilling their duties as a friend.
In other words, if you know someone has flaws but remain silent, you can't be considered a true friend.
If someone is praising your flaws, they likely have ulterior motives.
If someone sincerely reproves and scolds you,
they are your mentor and true friend.
Seventh, you must empty yourself to fill yourself with others.
Arrogance, like a harmful instrument wrapped around a person's body, drives away friends who offer advice.
Don't act superior just because someone else's opinion differs from yours. Instead, reflect on yourself.
That's how you can empty your mind and grow more mature.
Only by emptying yourself can you fill yourself with others; arrogance prevents you from including anyone but yourself.
In daily life, we unknowingly become vessels filled to the brim.
However, if you let go of arrogance, empty your mind, and follow others, learning from them,
you will discover many things you didn't know.
There are two types of humility. Humility when one's status is low or abilities are lacking isn't remarkable.
True humility, worthy of respect, is when one remains humble after achieving success in business and receiving praise from others.
A spring that yields sweet water is the first to be drained and dry up,
and a tall tree is the first to be felled.
People often ruin themselves because of their strengths.
Don't flaunt your strengths; instead, work on your weaknesses.
And always remain humble.
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