Mohism traces its origin to the teachings of Mozi, also known as Mo Tzu or Master Mo, a Chinese philosopher whose thought emerged as a distinctive alternative within the classical landscape of Chinese philosophy. He is credited as the founder of this school, and his name became synonymous with its doctrines. The tradition that bears his name is not merely an abstract system, but a reflection of a concrete historical figure whose ideas shaped a coherent movement.

Mozi’s role as founder is inseparable from the ethical and social vision associated with Mohism. The emphasis on universal love and merit-based recognition of worth can be understood as flowing directly from his philosophical concerns and practical orientation. By grounding Mohism in the life and work of a single, identifiable thinker, the tradition gains both historical rootedness and conceptual clarity. The figure of Mozi thus stands at the heart of Mohism, as the originator whose insights gave rise to a school that sought to reimagine social and moral order.