Laozi, according to legends, wrote the Laozi, one of the basic books of the Chinese philosophy called Taoism, also spelled Daoism. This book is often called the Tao Te Ching (The Classic of the Way and Virtue). Laozi’s name is also spelled Lao Tzu.
Unreliable accounts say that Laozi lived during the 500’s B.C. However, the Tao Te Ching, made up of 81 brief sections, was probably compiled and revised during the 200’s and 100’s B.C. Many modern scholars propose that the work was written by multiple authors. More than half its sections are in rhyme. The remainder of the book includes popular sayings and Taoist teachings in prose.
The Tao Te Ching describes the Tao (Way), the unity of nature that makes each thing in the universe what it is and determines its behavior. This unity can be understood only by mystical intuition. The book teaches that, because yielding eventually overcomes force, a wise man desires nothing. He never interferes with what happens naturally in the world or in himself. One passage says: “The highest good is like water. Water excels in giving benefit to all creatures, but never competes. It abides in places that most men despise, and so comes closest to the Tao.” The Tao Te Ching also teaches that simplicity and moving with the flow of events are the keys to wise government.
