Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, I am honored to speak about an extraordinary individual who has left an indelible mark on the history of thought and philosophy in China - Mozi. His full name is Mo Di, but he is more commonly known as Mozi, which means "Master Mo" in Chinese. He was born during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) in the state of Lu, which is present-day Qufu in Shandong Province.

Mozi was a pioneering thinker, philosopher, and social reformer. He was one of the earliest exponents of the school of thought known as Mohism, which advocated for universal love, equality, and frugality. His teachings were not only influential in his own time but also had a profound impact on later generations of Chinese thinkers and even on Western philosophers such as Immanuel Kant.

Mozi's philosophy was rooted in his belief that all human beings are equal and deserving of respect and compassion. He argued against the prevalent practice of warfare and violence, which he saw as a manifestation of the rulers' greed and selfishness. Instead, he proposed a society based on universal love and mutual aid, where everyone would work together for the common good.

One of Mozi's most famous ideas is the concept of Ren, which can be translated as "benevolence" or "humanity." Ren is not just a feeling or emotion; it is a moral principle that guides our actions towards others. According to Mozi, the ultimate goal of life is to cultivate Ren in oneself and spread it to others. He believed that by practicing Ren, we can create a harmonious and peaceful society where everyone can live with dignity and prosperity.

Another central tenet of Mohism is the idea of Xiao, which means "filial piety" or "respect for one's elders." Mozi emphasized the importance of filial piety not only towards one's parents but also towards all elders and authority figures. He believed that by showing respect and obedience to them, we can establish a hierarchical order that benefits everyone in society.

Mozi was also a strong advocate for frugality and simplicity. He criticized the extravagant lifestyles of the ruling class and urged people to live a modest and austere life. He believed that by reducing our material desires and living within our means, we can reduce social inequality and promote harmony.

In addition to his ethical teachings, Mozi also made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, economics, education, and military strategy. He proposed a system of government based on consensus and cooperation rather than coercion and force. He also developed a comprehensive educational curriculum that aimed to cultivate moral character, practical skills, and intellectual abilities in students.

Mozi's ideas were not without controversy. His radical vision of a society based on universal love and frugality challenged the established norms and values of his time. His criticism of warfare and violence made him unpopular with the rulers who relied on military conquests for power and wealth. Despite these challenges, Mozi continued to preach his message of love, equality, and frugality until his death at the age of 83.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mozi's legacy lives on today not only in China but also around the world. His teachings continue to inspire people to strive for a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. As we face unprecedented challenges such as climate change, poverty, and conflict, Mozi's message of universal love and frugality offers us a timeless wisdom that can guide us towards a brighter future.

In conclusion, Mozi was a visionary thinker who challenged the status quo and offered a radical alternative to the prevailing social norms of his time. His teachings of universal love, frugality, and respect for elders have stood the test of time and continue to inspire us today. Let us honor his legacy by embracing his principles of Ren and Xiao and working towards a more harmonious and peaceful world.

Thank you.