Mohism was founded by the Chinese philosopher Mozi, also known as Mo Di. He lived during the late 5th century BCE and early 4th century BCE in the state of Lu in China. Mozi was a contemporary of Confucius and is considered one of the most important philosophers of the Warring States period in Chinese history.

Mozi was born into a lower-class family and was initially a follower of Confucianism. However, he later developed his own philosophy, which came to be known as Mohism. He believed that the teachings of Confucius were too idealistic and did not address the practical problems faced by society.

According to Mohism, the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve universal love and create a harmonious society. This concept of universal love, or "jian ai" in Chinese, is the central tenet of Mohism. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and empathy, regardless of their social status or background.

In addition to universal love, Mohism also promoted the idea of meritocracy. Mozi believed that individuals should be chosen for positions of power and authority based on their abilities and not their social status or family background. He argued that this would lead to a more efficient and fair society, where the most capable individuals would be in positions of leadership.

Mozi also believed in the concept of "gongyi," which means "equalizing" or "equal treatment." He believed that all people should be treated equally and that there should be no distinctions based on wealth, social status, or family background. This idea was in contrast to the Confucian belief in the importance of maintaining social hierarchies.

In addition to his philosophical teachings, Mozi also put his ideas into practice by establishing a school of thought and a community of followers. He and his disciples traveled throughout China, spreading the teachings of Mohism and advocating for social and political reforms.

Despite its popularity during the Warring States period, Mohism eventually declined in influence and was overshadowed by other philosophical schools, such as Confucianism and Taoism. However, its principles of universal love and meritocracy continue to influence Chinese thought and society to this day.

In conclusion, Mohism was founded by Mozi, a Chinese philosopher who believed in the importance of universal love and meritocracy. His teachings emphasized treating others with kindness and compassion, promoting equal treatment for all individuals, and choosing leaders based on their abilities rather than their social status. Although Mohism declined in influence, its principles continue to have a lasting impact on Chinese society and philosophy.