Daodejing
The sole extant work traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu and the foundational classic of Daoism.
Author guide
Lao Tzu Books in Order
Lao Tzu (Laozi, meaning “Old Master”) is traditionally identified with Lao Dan, a sage said to have lived during the Spring and Autumn period. His historicity and the extent of his personal authorship are uncertain. Modern scholarship generally understands the Laozi or Daodejing as a composite anthology of sayings transmitted and compiled over the Warring States period, reaching a relatively stable form by the middle of the third century BCE. The work became foundational to Daoist philosophy and religion and remains a major classic of world literature.
philosophyreligious literaturepoetry
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Frequently asked questions about Lao Tzu
Was Lao Tzu a real historical person?
Lao Tzu, also known as Laozi, is a legendary figure whose historical existence and biography remain uncertain. Traditional Chinese sources place him in the sixth century BCE, but modern scholars debate whether he was a single historical individual.
What was Lao Tzu’s career?
According to the traditional biography recorded by Sima Qian, Lao Tzu served as a keeper of archival records at the Zhou court. The same account connects him with a meeting with Confucius, though the story’s reliability is disputed.
What does the name Lao Tzu mean?
Lao Tzu is an older English romanization of Laozi, a name generally translated as “Old Master.” Early sources also associate him with the name Lao Dan, or “Old Dan.”
Source: iep.utm.edu (opens in a new tab)
What ideas is Lao Tzu associated with?
Lao Tzu is associated with Daoist ideas centered on the Dao, or “the Way,” along with naturalness and wu wei, often translated as nonaction or non-forcing. These ideas emphasize acting in harmony with the way things unfold rather than through coercion.
Why is Lao Tzu still influential?
Lao Tzu remains influential because the philosophy associated with him became foundational to Daoism and has shaped Chinese thought, religion, literature, and other cultural traditions. His ideas have also reached a global audience through extensive translation and continuing study.