Lao tzu biography summary of harry

Lao Tzu or Laozi was a Chinese philosopher, believed to have lived in the 6th century BC. He is considered the author of the Taoist classic –  the “Tao Te Ching”, which offers an iconoclastic spiritual philosophy, based on an underlying unity of the universe.

The work of Lao Tzu has a timeless appeal and has been claimed by the religion of Taoism but also co-opted into a range of spiritual philosophies and anti-authoritarian movements and remains relevant today.

Life of Lao Tzu

Amongst historians there is uncertainty over the historical facts about Lao Tzu’s life – some even doubt whether he existed.

But, the most prominent sources suggest he was born with the birth name of Er Li in the 5th or 6th Century BC. Laozi 老 was an honorific name which means “Old venerable, Master” It can be anglicised in different ways – hence both Laozi and Lao Tzu have been used.

The strongest historical sources suggest he worked as a scholar and served