Chapter 285: The Hundred Schools of Thought What is the general trend? This question runs through almost the entire feudal dynasty, and is also the question that all the philosophers and schools of thought ultimately want to answer. In previous debates, various philosophers have already expressed their thoughts on this issue. In the eyes of Confucianism, the general trend is morality and order, inheritance and education, unity and benevolent government. In the eyes of the Legalists, the general trend is rule of law and centralization, enriching the country and strengthening the military, reform and development. In the eyes of Taoists, the general trend is to rule by inaction, a small country with few people, and balance and harmony. In the eyes of the Mohists, the general trend is universal love, non-aggression, technology for the people's livelihood, and equality and justice. In the eyes of military strategists, the general trend is the dialectical relationship between military power, strategy and tactics, war and peace. …… These were not things Tian Ze wanted to hear again.
If verbal debate is to explain the past and sort out and improve the once glorious theories of the Hundred Schools of Thought, and practical debate is to base on the present and apply the theories of the Hundred Schools of Thought to practice, then the third question, the debate on trends, is to look into the future, to spy on and sort out the inevitable trend. In fact, Tian Ze had hesitated and overturned his ideas many times during this debate. Because the one who can see half a step further than ordinary people is a genius, and the one who can see one step further is a madman. Tian Ze never doubted the wisdom of these top schools of thought. Not only did they possess extraordinary talents, but most of them came from wealthy backgrounds and did not have as many temptations as later generations. Their greatest pleasure every day, apart from studying academic subjects, was probably thinking about life. They are all philosophers. Although they do not have as much knowledge accumulated as later generations, they are able to come up with some unique ideas from scratch. The wisdom of this group of people is beyond ordinary people's imagination. If Tian Ze didn't open this "Pandora's Box", perhaps they wouldn't think too much about it. But now, each of them will transform into a "madman" and speak their seemingly crazy and even ridiculous remarks to the world. Under the gaze of tens of thousands of people, the first person to step onto the platform was no longer a Confucian disciple, but a Mohist, Mo Chen. Looking at the somewhat shy and helpless figure, no one showed any contempt in their eyes. Because it was this young man in front of him who looked a little timid, who changed the situation of the Hundred Schools of Thought and pushed the Mohist School to the altar in one fell swoop. It was the Confucians who proposed that this debate should be opened by them, and all the other schools of thought agreed. At this moment, the status of Mohism was clearly visible. Standing on the high teaching platform, looking at the countless expectant eyes below the stage, Mo Chen's palms were already full of sweat. However, thinking about what he was going to say next, he calmed down instantly. He knew that after he finished speaking, he would most likely be regarded as a lunatic. But he firmly believed that the truth is the truth and will not be influenced by anyone. "I believe that the future is technology. Whoever masters technology will master everything!" At this moment, as a representative of the Mohist school, he did not speak as a Mohist, but as a seeker of truth, expressing his thoughts to the world. One word shocked the world!
Countless shocked and disbelieving eyes turned to Mo Chen, and Chen Gong and others couldn't help but look at Tian Ze. They had thought that Mo Chen would say something shocking, but they never expected that the first thing he said would be such an "unprecedented fallacy". There was no displeasure on Tian Ze's face. Instead, he looked at Mo Chen with more surprise and appreciation. If it were an ordinary prince, upon hearing such "outrageous" words, he would have torn him into pieces. But Tian Ze knew that, to some extent, Mo Chen was right. He was a very sober and far-sighted person. Then, Mo Chen began to talk about his thoughts. "From the moment I came into contact with the craftsmanship, I realized its wonders. Dozens of people working hard to carry water to irrigate the fields can be directly replaced by a waterwheel; ordinary people cannot defeat the warriors, but a child holding a powerful crossbow can pose a threat." "Now, after working with all kinds of hydraulic equipment and plants, I am increasingly aware of how powerful technology is." "With the help of the power of water, a small brick factory with only 20 people can produce bricks that thousands of people would find difficult to make." "Moreover, this is not the limit. With the development of technology in the future, it may only take ten people, five people, three people, or even one person to achieve such a high output..." "No need for anyone!" Countless Mohist disciples couldn't help but have their pupils shrink. Many of them have imagined this before, but they just kept it in their hearts. After all, how could such a "delusion" be realized? What would people do then? But as disciples of the Mohist school who are well versed in the ways of craftsmanship, there is always a voice deep in their hearts telling them that this is possible. Countless scholars in the audience opened their eyes wide, and even their mouths opened wide. They think this is a fallacy, but if you think about it carefully, is it really impossible? Water wheels can automatically transport water, so why can’t factories automatically produce bricks and stones? After waiting quietly for a moment, Mo Chen looked around at the countless people in the audience. Although they were all incredulous, no one spoke out to refute. Tian Ze had already set the rules for this debate. Ordinary scholars were not allowed to speak, and only the hundreds of outstanding students representing the Hundred Schools of Thought were allowed to speak. Because with their wisdom and knowledge, they are not qualified to question. The frog in the well will never believe how big the universe is. "And, by analogy, it's not just brick making, but also farming, breeding, transportation, and even warfare. Everything is possible with the power of technology." "Perhaps in the future, a person can manipulate countless machines with just a flick of his finger, cultivate thousands of acres of land, and release thousands of rains of arrows..." At this moment, Mo Chen no longer had anyone in his eyes, only his own thoughts. Like a madman, he was "dancing solo" on the stage, constantly daydreaming. Everyone looked at him as if he were a madman, but could not utter a word to refute or interrupt. Because those who want to refute are not qualified to do so, and those who are qualified to refute cannot think of any point to refute. Everything seems so reasonable, yet so false. At this moment, even the elders of the Mohist School fell silent. They did not doubt Mo Chen, because they had had this idea before, but they were not talented enough and lacked a sufficient platform, so they had to give up this delusion. And now, they seem to want to pick it up again.
What else can they pursue now? After being suppressed by Confucianism for hundreds of years, Mohism has now regained its dignity and is even qualified to speak before Confucianism. Their ideas are constantly being enriched and improved, and the number of students is also increasing. The revival of Mohism is just around the corner. Even if they died now, it would be enough for them to smile in front of their ancestors and teachers. But Mo Chen's words awakened the young man in their hearts. Looking at the "madman" on the stage, they also want to "go crazy" with him and explore the truth they firmly believe in. Even if they fall halfway, countless Mohist disciples will follow suit. This will continue to happen endlessly until one truly proves himself or overthrows himself. (End of this chapter)