LaoTsé

LaoTsé, also romanized as Laozi or Lao-tzu and commonly translated as "Old Master," is traditionally regarded as an ancient Chinese philosopher and the founder of Daoism. Details of his life are uncertain, and chronological placement varies. Traditional sources place him in the 6th century BCE during the late Zhou Dynasty, sometimes described as a keeper of archives at the Zhou court who departed westward, carrying a statement of wisdom that prompted him to write a short text.

The main work attributed to LaoTsé is the Tao Te Ching, a foundational Daoist scripture consisting of about 81 short chapters. The text presents the Dao (the Way) as the underlying order of the universe and emphasizes simplicity, humility, non-contention, and harmony with nature. It also advocates wu wei, or "non-action," as a way of aligning with the natural flow of events, and it offers guidance on governance and personal conduct.

Historically, the existence of a single author named Laozi remains a topic of scholarly debate. Modern scholarship often views the life story as a composite legend, while the Tao Te Ching is considered to have been written and compiled by multiple contributors over several centuries.

LaoTsé's influence is profound in both philosophy and religion. Within Daoism, he is revered as a sage and sometimes regarded as an immortal. His ideas have shaped Chinese thought and philosophy, influenced adjacent traditions, and inspired translations and interpretations worldwide.