Like [[Confucius]], little is known about Mozi's biography; he is mostly known only from a text, referred to simply as ''The Mozi'', which purports to relate his philosophy. Legends differ as to his origins; he may have been from the State of Song, or like Confucius, from the [[State of Lu]]. Some sources suggest he may have been a former criminal, since his surname means "tattoo"; others suggest he was an artisan or carpenter, since much of his philosophy has very practical underpinnings. The sophistication of his thought has also led some to suggest Mozi may have been a direct student of Confucius. | Like [[Confucius]], little is known about Mozi's biography; he is mostly known only from a text, referred to simply as ''The Mozi'', which purports to relate his philosophy. Legends differ as to his origins; he may have been from the State of Song, or like Confucius, from the [[State of Lu]]. Some sources suggest he may have been a former criminal, since his surname means "tattoo"; others suggest he was an artisan or carpenter, since much of his philosophy has very practical underpinnings. The sophistication of his thought has also led some to suggest Mozi may have been a direct student of Confucius. |