Mozi (about 479 BC to 38 BC1year) was a famous philosopher and wise man in ancient times, and also one of the most influential thinkers in the history of China philosophy. His masterpiece Mozi recorded his criticism of ecology and economics, and it still has important ideological value. In order to understand Mozi's ecological thought more clearly, this paper will discuss the connotation, forming conditions and the influence of Mozi's unique thought.
The Connotation of Mozi's Ecological Thought
Mozi said: "Between soil and water, germination occurs, the old and the new alternate, and the old and the weak overlap." Mozi believes that nature is composed of water, soil, plants and animals. He emphasized that the germination between soil and water and the alternation between old and new are the most important metabolic processes between human beings and nature. He also believes that human beings must live in harmony with nature and use professional knowledge to help adjust the natural environment to achieve higher functions.
Mozi's ecological thought also emphasizes "the unity of man and nature". He appealed: "We should make every effort to oppose changing the natural environment in order to save natural resources, instead of unnecessary development and destruction, but to make the world a better and more complete place."
Mozi believes that only when human beings live in harmony with nature can human beings achieve economic and sustainable development and the world become more perfect. This harmony between man and nature not only refers to the protection of natural resources, but also includes the respect and protection of nature.
Conditions for the Formation of Mozi's Ecological Thought
Mozi's ecological thought originated in the Spring and Autumn Period in ancient China. At that time, China society was undergoing great changes from feudal society to open society. In this social background, Mozi began to think about the relationship between nature and human beings. He believes that "between soil and water, germination occurs", "old and new alternate, old and weak overlap", and human beings must live in harmony with nature in order to achieve higher functions.
The conditions for the formation of this ecological thought were influenced by the social changes at that time and Mozi's ability to understand abstract concepts.