Laozis

Laozis is a term used mainly as the plural form of the name Laozi, or as a reference to multiple individuals bearing that name. The most prominent bearer is Laozi (also Lao-tzu or Lao-tse), traditionally regarded as the founder of Daoism and the attributed author of the Tao Te Ching. The name Laozi is commonly understood to mean “Old Master,” with lao meaning “old” and zi as an honorific. The historicity of Laozi is debated; traditional sources place him in the late Spring and Autumn period or the early Warring States era, but concrete historical evidence is scarce. The Tao Te Ching, linked to Laozi, is a foundational text of Daoism and Chinese philosophy, presenting ideas of harmony with the Tao, simplicity, non-action (wu wei), and prudent governance. Laozi has inspired extensive interpretation and translation across East Asian thought and beyond.

In modern usage, Laozi may appear as a given name or as part of transliterated Chinese names. Consequently, Laozis can refer to multiple people bearing the name, though in most discussions the philosopher Laozi remains the primary referent. The spelling Laozi may also appear in different transliterations, such as Lao-tzu or Lao-tse.