China’s First Liberal
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 2012
Abstract
Although he was not a full liberal in the modern sense, Mozi (c. 470–391 B.C.E.) espoused some classical-liberal principles long before Locke and Voltaire. Moreover, although his views often run counter to pervasive Confucian norms, his insights about equality before the law, the dangers of the predatory state, militarism, and a social order based on rational self-interest could serve as a reference point for building a liberal society in the new China.
Repository Citation
Osborne, E. W.
(2012). China’s First Liberal. The Independent Review, 16 (4), 533-551.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/econ/45
