China's Traditional Culture, Political Culture and Shang Xian

China's Traditional Culture, Political Culture and Shang Xian

Political opinions of Mozi, a politician and thinker in the early Warring States period. "Shang" means advocating, "Xian" means being talented, and "Shang Xian" means appointing people on their merits. Mozi said, "Being a sage is the foundation of politics" (Shang Xian I). It is believed that the reason why the country is poor, chaotic and unpopular is that "those who govern the country by a monarch cannot be governed by a virtuous person" (Shang Xian I). People with virtue are the wealth and assistance of the country and must be used. "Being virtuous and able to do things" is the fundamental policy of governing the country. Advocating the politics of sages and opposing Shi Qing's "kissing wood and respecting sages", Shi Lu advocated "upholding righteousness and not preventing poverty (avoidance)", "upholding righteousness and not preventing relatives", "upholding righteousness and not preventing distance" and "being above agriculture and industry, it should be promoted if possible" (ibid.). It is proposed to "serve people with morality, serve people with officials, work for free, and serve people with morality" (ibid.). Adhere to the principle of "officials are impermanent and expensive, and the people have no final foundation". If you can, you will rise; if you can't, you will fall "(ibid.). The thought of "Shang Xian" broke the hierarchical system and patriarchal clan system of the slave owners and nobles, and embodied the desire of small producers to participate in the political power, which was of progressive significance and objectively played a role in maintaining feudal rule.