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Mohism -> Mozi -> Book 6 -> Economy of Expenditures I -> 1

聖人When a sage rules a state
the benefits of the state will be increased twice.
天下 When he governs the empire,
天下 those of the empire will be doubled.
This increase is not by appropriating land from without.
1
But by cutting out the useless expenditures it is accomplished.
使In issuing an order, taking up an enterprise, or employing the people and expending wealth, the sage never does anything without some useful purpose.
Therefore wealth is not wasted
and people's resources are not exhausted,
and many are the blessings procured.
In making clothing, what is the purpose?
It is to keep out the cold in winter and heat in summer.
The good of clothing is measured in terms of the amount of warmth it adds in winter and coolness in summer: what is merely decorative and does not contribute to these is to be let alone.
In building palaces and houses, what is the purpose?
It is to keep out the wind and the cold in winter
and heat and rain in summer,
and to fortify against thieves.
What is merely decorative and contributes nothing to these should be let alone.
In forging armour and shields and the five weapons, what is the purpose?
It is to prepare against invasion and revolts, bandits and thieves.
When these happen,
with armor, shields, and the five weapons one will succeed,
without them one cannot succeed.
聖人Therefore the sages forged armour, shields, and the five weapons.
And their good is measured in terms of lightness, sharpness and unbreakability: what is merely decorative and contributes nothing to these should be let alone.
In building boats and vehicles, what is the purpose?
A vehicle is to go on land and a boat is to sail rivers and valleys in order to transport the wealth in the four quarters.
The good of boats and vehicles is measured in terms of the amount of facility and convenience they afford: what is merely decorative and contributes nothing to these should be let alone.
Now, in making all these things
2
none is done without its use in view.
Therefore wealth is not wasted
and people's resources are not exhausted,
and many are the blessings procured.
3

1. 用之費 : Inserted. 孫詒讓《墨子閒詁》
2. 不 : Inserted. 孫詒讓《墨子閒詁》
3. 矣 : Inserted. 孫詒讓《墨子閒詁》


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