About Laozi
-604 - -531
Biography
Biography
Laozi (c. 571-471 BCE), surnamed Li, named Er, courtesy name Dan, was from Ku County, Chu State (present-day Luyi, Henan) during the Spring and Autumn period. He was the founder of Taoism and revered as "Taishang Laojun." He served as the Keeper of Archives for the Zhou Dynasty (equivalent to a national librarian) and was very learned. It is said that Confucius once asked him about rituals. In his later years, he went west through Hangu Pass and, at the request of the gatekeeper Yin Xi, wrote the 5,000-character "Tao Te Ching," then disappeared. His life is shrouded in mystery and he was later revered as the founder of Taoism.
Philosophical System
Philosophical System
Laozi's philosophy centers on "Tao" as the core concept, believing "Tao" is the origin and law of all things in the universe. He proposed the political thought of "governing through non-action," advocating following nature without forcing. He emphasized "the soft overcomes the hard," the wisdom of overcoming strength with gentleness. He proposed the life attitude of "contentment brings happiness," opposing greed and conflict. He advocated "returning to simplicity," going back to natural essence. His philosophy embodied simple dialectical thinking, with the concept of unity of opposites running throughout.
Major Works
Major Works
The "Tao Te Ching" (also called "Laozi"), consisting of eighty-one chapters divided into two parts: "Tao Jing" and "De Jing." This book is the fundamental classic of Taoist philosophy and an important work of ancient Chinese philosophy. It expounds core concepts such as "Tao," the political thought of "governing through non-action," and the life philosophy of "the soft overcomes the hard." The text is concise yet profound, rich in philosophy, and praised as the "King of All Classics."
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
Laozi was one of the most important philosophers in ancient China and the founder of Taoism. The "Tao Te Ching" is one of the most important classics in Chinese philosophical history, profoundly influencing Chinese culture. Laozi's thoughts not only influenced Chinese philosophy, religion, and politics but also spread worldwide, becoming an important representative of Eastern wisdom. His idea of "governing through non-action" significantly influenced later political theories.
Cultural Influence
Cultural Influence
Laozi's thoughts profoundly influenced Chinese culture, with Taoism revering him as founder and Confucianism also absorbing his philosophical essence. Literati throughout history were influenced by Laozi's thoughts, with concepts like "governing through non-action" and "contentment brings happiness" deeply rooted in people's hearts. In modern times, Laozi's thoughts still have important value. The "Tao Te Ching" has been translated into many languages and spread worldwide, praised as a treasure of Eastern wisdom.
Key Concepts
Key Concepts
Tao (cosmic origin), governing through non-action (political concept), soft overcomes hard (life wisdom), contentment brings happiness (life attitude), returning to simplicity (spiritual pursuit), unity of opposites (dialectical thinking), Tao Te Ching (classic work)
Quotes by Laozi
Explore the essence of this wise thinker's thoughts
He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others has physical strength; he who conquers himself is truly strong.
知人者智，自知者明。胜人者有力，自胜者强。
Source: Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33
The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
道可道，非常道。名可名，非常名。
Source: Tao Te Ching
The highest good is like water, which benefits all things and does not compete.
上善若水，水善利万物而不争。
Source: Tao Te Ching
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
千里之行，始于足下。
Source: Tao Te Ching
Knowing others is wisdom; knowing yourself is enlightenment.
知人者智，自知者明。
Source: Tao Te Ching