Laozi

Author: Wang Bi (Wei)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-05-01
Features: Laozi is the founder of the pre-Qin Taoist school. His philosophy has had an extremely profound influence on the history of Chinese philosophy. The Tao Te Ching, which he wrote, is not only a precious legacy of ancient Chinese philosophy but also holds an important place in the treasure trove of world philosophy. Laozi's philosophical views negate the benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom advocated by Confucianism at the time, advocating for a clear mind, few desires, and non-action. The dialectical thinking of Laozi in epistemology is a key feature of Taoist philosophy, with the greatest influence and widest spread. The politics and culture of successive dynasties have been influenced by Taoist philosophical thought, and his importance in the history of Chinese philosophical development is no less than that of Confucianism. Historically, there are many versions and commentaries of the Tao Te Ching, with its quantity second only to the Analects and being one of the most widely circulated books among the pre-Qin philosophers.