Laozi, wood engraving by Fritz Eichenberg, 1966. Laozi was a philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching He is considered the founder of philosophical Taoism and is revered as a deity in most religious forms of Taoist philosophy, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or One of the Three Pure Ones . According to Chinese traditions, Laozi lived in the 6th century BCE. Some historians contend that he actually lived in the 5th-4th century BCE, concurrent with the Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period, while some others argue that Laozi is a synthesis of multiple historical figures or that he is a mythical figure. A central figure in Chinese culture, both nobility and common people claim Laozi in their lineage. Throughout history, Laozi's work has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements. |