Mohism is a philosophical and ethical school of thought that originated in ancient China during the Warring States period (5th-3rd century BCE). It was founded by the philosopher Mozi, also known as Master Mo, who rejected the teachings of Confucianism and Daoism and instead proposed his own principles for creating a harmonious and peaceful society.

At the core of Mohism is the concept of universal love, or "jian ai" in Chinese, which emphasizes the importance of treating all people with equal care and concern. This principle is based on the belief that all human beings are inherently good and deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or other differences.

In addition to promoting universal love, Mohism also advocated for the establishment of a meritocratic government. This means that individuals should be chosen for positions of power and authority based on their abilities, rather than their family background or social status. This idea challenged the traditional Confucian belief in the importance of family and social hierarchy in determining one's worth and role in society.

Mohism also placed a strong emphasis on practicality and utility. The followers of this philosophy believed that actions should be judged by their usefulness and ability to create benefit for the majority of people. This rejection of traditional rituals and ceremonies, which were seen as wasteful and unnecessary, was seen as a way to promote efficiency and fairness in society.

One of the key teachings of Mohism was the concept of "gong" or "universal love and mutual benefit." This idea emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual benefit in all relationships, whether between individuals or between states. This principle was seen as a way to create a harmonious and stable society, as well as to prevent conflicts and wars.

In terms of ethics, Mohism also emphasized the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. Followers were encouraged to constantly examine their own actions and thoughts, and to strive towards becoming a better person. This focus on self-cultivation and moral development was seen as a way to create a better society as a whole.

Overall, Mohism can be seen as a philosophy that promotes social harmony, equality, and practicality. Its principles of universal love and meritocracy continue to have relevance in modern society, and its emphasis on self-reflection and moral improvement serves as a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility in creating a better world.