节用 (Jié Yòng), translated as "frugality" or "economy of resources," is a central principle of Mohism advocating for the efficient and prudent use of resources to benefit society. Mozi (墨子) believed that extravagance and waste, particularly by rulers, drained resources that could otherwise improve the lives of the common people. He criticized lavish rituals, grandiose architecture, and excessive entertainment, arguing that these practices served no practical purpose and often exacerbated inequality and societal harm.
For Mohists, Jié Yòng is not just about individual thriftiness but a guiding philosophy for state governance. Leaders are expected to allocate resources wisely, prioritizing essential needs like food, shelter, and defense over luxury or ceremonial excess.
During the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), many states engaged in lavish displays of wealth to assert their power and legitimacy. Mozi observed that such practices weakened states by diverting resources from essential public welfare and military needs. He called for a shift toward simplicity and utility, emphasizing that rulers should focus on policies that directly benefit the people.
The principle of Jié Yòng resonated with Legalist thinkers, who also emphasized practical governance and resource efficiency. While Confucianism valued rituals and ceremonies for maintaining social harmony, Mohism critiqued these as wasteful unless they served a functional purpose.
In modern China, Jié Yòng aligns with the CCP’s emphasis on pragmatic governance and efforts to curb extravagance, particularly in the context of anti-corruption campaigns and sustainable development. Frugality is viewed as a virtue that ensures resources are directed toward collective progress rather than individual indulgence.
Key CCP Applications:
Anti-Corruption Campaigns:
Efforts to curb lavish spending by government officials reflect the Mohist principle of resource economy.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Policies promoting environmental conservation and resource efficiency resonate with Jié Yòng in their focus on long-term societal benefit.
Key Challenges:
Balancing Growth and Frugality:
While Jié Yòng advocates simplicity, modern economic growth often involves large-scale infrastructure projects and public spending, requiring a balance between frugality and ambition.
1. Mozi’s Critique of Rituals:
Mozi criticized practices like elaborate ancestral worship and grand funerals, arguing that such traditions consumed valuable resources that could otherwise aid the living.
2. CCP’s Anti-Extravagance Campaigns:
Under Xi Jinping, the CCP launched initiatives to reduce wasteful spending in government, including restrictions on luxury banquets, gifts, and unnecessary travel.
3. Green Development Policies:
China’s push for renewable energy and sustainable practices reflects Jié Yòng, focusing on efficient resource use to ensure long-term benefits.
4. Poverty Alleviation:
Policies that prioritize basic infrastructure, like housing and clean water for impoverished regions, reflect Mohist frugality in directing resources where they are most needed.
Cultural Value of Simplicity:
Americans may see frugality as a personal virtue rather than a state principle. In the Chinese context, Jié Yòng emphasizes societal benefit over individual austerity.
Critique of Rituals:
The Mohist critique of cultural traditions may clash with Western views that value heritage and symbolism, leading to misunderstandings about Mohism’s focus on practicality.
Economic Growth vs. Frugality:
While Americans may equate large-scale spending with progress, Jié Yòng prioritizes efficiency and necessity, advocating growth without waste.
Jié Yòng reflects enduring Chinese values of practicality and resourcefulness, ensuring that governance serves the collective good. In modern China, the principle aligns with efforts to reduce corruption, promote sustainability, and focus resources on essential development. By emphasizing the prudent use of resources, Jié Yòng continues to influence policies that balance economic ambition with social responsibility.