Fēi Yuè 非樂

 ‘Condemning Music’: a triad of chapters of the Mòzǐ, of which only the first survives. The central argument is concessive: music may be pleasurable, but pleasure alone does not justify its social cost. The chapters repeatedly compare music with useful artefacts and institutions, evaluating both according to the benefits they produce. They are therefore notable as early reflections on opportunity cost, public expenditure, and the distinction between private enjoyment and public utility.