Description

Laozi (also Lao-Tzu or Lao-Tze) was aphilosopher and poet of ancient China. He is known as the reputedauthor of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of philosophical Taoism,and as a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinesereligions.

Although a legendary figure, he is usually dated to around the6th century BCE and reckoned a contemporary of Confucius, but somehistorians contend that he actually lived during the period of the5th or 4th century BCE.

A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi is claimed by boththe emperors of the Tang dynasty and modern people of the Lisurname as a founder of their lineage. Throughout history, Laozi'swork has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements.