Laozi: Cast metal type edition

Author: Guangling Book Society
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The forerunner of philosophical thought. His philosophical ideas and the Taoist school he founded not only made significant contributions to the development of ancient Chinese thought and culture but also had a profound impact on the development of Chinese thought and culture for over 2,000 years. Laozi is the founder of Taoism. The book Laozi is therefore revered as the foundational work of Taoist doctrine and is also known as the Dao De Jing. The entire book consists of 81 chapters, divided into two parts, with over 5,000 characters, historically referred to as the "Five Thousand Words."
Laozi was a thinker of the Spring and Autumn period. The Records of the Grand Historian, in the biography of Laozi, states that Laozi was from Chu, Kushi, now Qu Renli in the east of Luyi County, Henan. He belonged to the Li family, with the given name Er and the courtesy name Dan. He was the keeper of the archives in the Zhou court. It is also recorded that Laozi devoted himself to moral and philosophical studies, seeking to remain hidden and avoid fame. The Records state that Laozi left his post and traveled west, passing through the Hangu Pass. When Yin Xi learned that Laozi was leaving, he followed and requested Laozi to leave a message. Thus, Laozi wrote these five thousand words. After passing the pass, Laozi's whereabouts became unknown. It was not until the first year of the Ganyu era (666 AD) during the Tang Dynasty that Laozi was revered as the "Supreme Mysterious and Original Emperor," further solidifying his status as the founder of Taoism.