老子

Laozi

Taoism · person

Part of Taoism

Laozi (老子, 'Old Master'), traditionally dated to the 6th century BCE, is the legendary founder of Taoism and the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching (道德经). His philosophy centers on the Tao (道) as the ineffable source of all things, wu wei (无为) as effortless action aligned with nature, and ziran (自然) as spontaneous self-so-ness. His work profoundly influenced Chinese thought, culture, and spiritual practice for over two millennia, inspiring both philosophical and religious Taoism, as well as Chinese Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism.

According to the Tao Te Ching, the foundational text attributed to Laozi, and the Zhuangzi, the central writings of Taoist philosophy, Laozi represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.

4 wisdom cards explore this concept
6 related philosophical concepts
0 in-depth guides
11 search questions answered

What Are the Key Facts About Laozi?

  • Tradition: Taoism
  • Chinese: 老子
  • Category: Person
  • Definition: Laozi (老子, 'Old Master'), traditionally dated to the 6th century BCE, is the legendary founder of Taoism and the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching (道德经).

What Cards Are Related to Laozi?

The Tao That Cannot Be Spoken

Naming is the origin of all things

Be Like Water

The highest good flows without struggle

Acts Without Force

Non-coercive action leaves nothing undone

What Is of Itself

The Tao has no outside

What Concepts Are Related to Laozi?

Tao 道
Entity Entity
Laozi authored the Tao Te Ching, defining the concept of Tao
 Wu Wei 无为
Entity Entity
Laozi introduced Wu Wei as effortless action in harmony with the Tao
 Te 德
Entity Entity
Laozi expounded Te as the virtue that flows from alignment with the Tao
 Pu 朴
Entity Entity
Laozi used Pu as the metaphor of the uncarved block
 Ziran 自然
Entity Entity
Laozi taught Ziran as the principle of spontaneity and naturalness
 Water 水
Entity Entity
Laozi used Water as the central metaphor for yielding strength

Common Questions

老子 biography biography 老子 哲学 chinese 老子 laozi philosophy chinese-meaning Laozi vs Tao comparison tao te ching chapter 25 what is of itself meaning definition acts without force tao te ching explained explanation 老子 history history how to think like Laozi how-to who was laozi overview Laozi philosophy summary summary 老子 teachings teaching

Further Reading and Sources

For authoritative academic perspectives on Laozi, consult these external sources:

Further Reading