Philosopher · 571 BC – 471 BC
Laozi
Key Takeaways
- Laozi is the traditional founder of Daoism, one of China's two great philosophical traditions.
- He is credited with the Tao Te Ching, a short book of profound verses on the Way.
- His central ideas are the Dao (the Way) and wu wei (effortless, natural action).
- Daoism became the great complement and counterpoint to Confucianism.
Laozi stands at the headwaters of Daoism, one of the two great currents of Chinese thought. Whether a single sage or a tradition given a name, “the Old Master” is credited with the Tao Te Ching, a book of brief, paradoxical verses on living in harmony with the Way.
The Dao and wu wei
Laozi’s philosophy turns on the Dao — the spontaneous, underlying order of nature — and on wu wei, action so attuned to circumstances that it seems effortless. Where his contemporary Confucius prescribed ritual and duty, Laozi counseled yielding, simplicity and humility.
A legendary life
By legend, weary of a corrupt world, Laozi rode west on a buffalo and, at a border guard’s request, set down his wisdom before disappearing forever. The story captures the Daoist ideal of withdrawing from striving into harmony with nature.
Influence
From the art and medicine of ancient China to modern bookshelves worldwide, Laozi’s vision endures. The Tao Te Ching is among the most translated texts in history, its counsel of balance and effortless action as resonant now as two and a half millennia ago.
Influence
Daoism shaped Chinese religion, medicine, art and governance, and its ideas of balance, yielding and naturalness have spread worldwide through the Tao Te Ching.
Legacy
Laozi became a near-divine figure in religious Daoism, and his slim book remains one of the most influential and widely translated texts ever written.
Major Works
- Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing)
Controversies
- Many scholars doubt Laozi was a single historical person; the Tao Te Ching may be a compilation.
Notable Quotes
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
Connections
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Laozi?
Laozi was a semi-legendary Chinese philosopher traditionally regarded as the founder of Daoism and author of the Tao Te Ching.
What did Laozi teach?
He taught harmony with the Dao — the natural Way of the universe — through simplicity, humility and wu wei, or effortless action.
Biography Books
Citations & Sources
- Laozi — Tao Te Ching (translated editions).
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy — 'Laozi'.
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