Laozi: Chinese Classics Collection

Author: Rao Shangkuan Translated and Annotated
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: "The Tao Te Ching" is one of the famous classics of ancient China, standing side by side with "The Zhuangzi" as a representative work of the pre-Qin Taoist school. It has had a profound impact on the formation and development of traditional Chinese culture. The book, also known as "The Classic of the Way and Virtue" or "The Five Thousand Words," encompasses a wide range of topics including cosmology, philosophy of life, epistemology, methodology, as well as how to conduct oneself and govern a state. Therefore, Lu Xun said, "Without reading 'The Tao Te Ching,' one cannot understand Chinese culture." Hu Shi said, "Laozi is the founder of Chinese philosophy and a true philosopher in the history of Chinese philosophy." The dialectical thinking method and insightful strategies for dealing with life in "The Tao Te Ching" remain strikingly relevant even today. This book first lists the "original text," followed by "annotations" and an "English translation" that attempts to explain the text word by word, guiding you into this ancient cultural treasure trove.