On the distinctive features of Mohist meritocracy: translator’s foreword

Chapters 1, 8–10 of the Mohist corpus Mozi may represent the earliest philosophical works devoted to a systematic theory of meritocracy. Their significance for the study of ancient Chinese ethical and political thought can hardly be overstated. This article introduces the first complete Russian translation of these chapters from Classical Chinese, accompanied by a commentary and, for the first time in Russian Sinology, a critical edition of the original text. A detailed comparative analysis of the chapters is presented, highlighting their distinctive features in composition, thematic focus, style, target audience, and philosophical emphasis. It is argued that Chapters 8, 9, and 10 should be understood not so much as reflections of doctrinal evolution or intra-school debate, but as variations tailored to a specific readership. Special attention is given to the philosophical content of Mohist meritocracy, which – unlike modern theories – does not seek to construct a society of equal opportunity. Rather, it focuses on the efficient application of already recognized talent by creating external conditions that channel personal interest toward the public good.