非儒 (Fēi Rú), translated as "rejection of Confucianism," represents the Mohist critique of Confucian values, particularly those emphasizing ritual, hierarchy, and familial partiality. Mozi (墨子) argued that Confucianism’s focus on elaborate ceremonies, ancestral worship, and rigid social hierarchies wasted resources and perpetuated inequality. In contrast, Mohism advocated for simplicity, equality, and universal love (兼爱, Jiān'ài), prioritizing practical benefits for society over adherence to tradition.
For Mohists, Confucianism’s emphasis on filial piety (孝, Xiào) and loyalty to one’s family undermined broader social harmony by encouraging favoritism. Fēi Rú was not merely a philosophical disagreement but a practical challenge to the dominance of Confucian ideology in governance and society.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), Confucianism was a dominant intellectual and cultural force, shaping governance and social norms. Mozi saw Confucian values as contributing to societal problems by prioritizing the elite and reinforcing inequality. He argued that Confucian rituals drained resources that could be used to address pressing issues like poverty, defense, and public welfare.
While Confucianism eventually became the cornerstone of Chinese governance during the Han Dynasty, Mohism’s critique of Confucian practices remained influential in sparking debates about the role of tradition and morality in governance.
In modern China, Fēi Rú resonates with certain aspects of CCP ideology, particularly during the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), when Confucian values were explicitly critiqued as relics of feudalism. However, the CCP has since embraced aspects of Confucianism, particularly its emphasis on social harmony (和谐, Héxié) and moral governance. As such, Fēi Rú remains an important historical critique but is less central to modern Chinese governance.
Key CCP Applications:
Critique of Traditionalism:
The CCP’s early rejection of Confucian hierarchies during its revolutionary period echoed Mohist principles of equality and pragmatism.
Modern Revival of Confucian Values:
In recent decades, the CCP has selectively embraced Confucian values to promote social cohesion and national identity, diverging from the Mohist rejection of these principles.
Key Challenges:
Balancing Tradition and Modernity:
While the CCP has revived aspects of Confucianism, it maintains a pragmatic approach to governance that aligns with certain Mohist critiques of ritual excess and hierarchy.
1. Mozi’s Critique of Rituals:
Mozi argued that Confucian practices like elaborate funerals and ancestral worship wasted resources that could be used for public welfare. For example, he opposed spending wealth on ceremonial offerings when it could feed the poor.
2. Cultural Revolution’s Critique of Confucianism:
During the Cultural Revolution, Confucian values were denounced as symbols of feudal oppression, echoing Mohism’s rejection of hierarchical and ritualistic traditions.
3. Modern Pragmatism:
The CCP’s focus on practical governance and economic development reflects Mohist critiques of excessive traditionalism, prioritizing tangible outcomes over symbolic practices.
Tradition vs. Progress:
Americans may view Fēi Rú as an outright rejection of Chinese heritage, but it reflects a pragmatic critique of specific practices that Mohists saw as wasteful or unjust.
Moral Values vs. Practicality:
Confucianism’s emphasis on moral cultivation may be seen as universally positive, while Mohism’s focus on practicality might be misunderstood as lacking ethical depth.
Historical Context:
The Mohist rejection of Confucianism is often interpreted as oppositional, but it arose from a shared concern for societal harmony, albeit through different methods.
Fēi Rú highlights the tension between tradition and innovation in Chinese thought. While Confucianism eventually became dominant, Mohism’s critique offered a counterpoint that emphasized equality, efficiency, and pragmatism. In modern China, the CCP’s selective embrace of both Confucian and Mohist principles reflects an ongoing effort to balance cultural heritage with practical governance.