Laozi
12 books
About the Author
Laozi, the legendary sage of ancient China, is revered as the foundational philosopher of Taoism, a tradition that emphasizes harmony with the natural flow of the universe. Believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE during the Zhou Dynasty, he is traditionally credited with authoring the Tao Te Ching, a profound text of 81 short chapters that distills timeless wisdom on ethics, governance, and the art of living. Disillusioned with the chaos of his era, Laozi reportedly left society and penned this seminal work at the request of a border guard before vanishing into legend. His teachings, centered on the Tao—the ineffable Way—advocate simplicity, humility, and wu wei, or effortless action, influencing countless generations of thinkers, artists, and leaders across East and West. Laozi's elusive life story, blending myth and history, underscores the enigmatic depth of his philosophy, which continues to offer guidance in navigating modern complexities.
Common genres
Writing style
poetic
aphoristic
paradoxical
Books by Laozi
