# Laozi

## Biography

Laozi, meaning "Old Master," is a legendary figure in Chinese philosophy, widely regarded as the founder of Taoism. While traditional accounts place him in the sixth century BCE as a contemporary of Confucius, serving as a royal archivist for the Zhou court, modern scholarship often suggests his biographical details may be later inventions. He is credited as the author of the *Tao Te Ching*, a seminal text outlining the principles of Taoism, though many scholars believe this work was a compilation by multiple authors rather than a single individual. Regardless of the precise historical details of his life, Laozi's teachings profoundly influenced Chinese culture, advocating for a life in harmony with the natural order, emphasizing concepts like "the Way" (Tao) and "non-action" (wuwei). He is revered not only as a philosopher but also as a deity in some religious Taoist traditions, embodying a profound wisdom that continues to resonate.

## Books

- [The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics](https://samolit.com/books/96440)