Li erh biography

Also spelled Laozi or Lao Tsu

Legendary name at birth: Li Erh

According to legend, Lao Tzu (“old man” or “old sage”) was the ancient author of Tao Te Ching, the most widely translated Chinese work of all time and the classic book of the religion or philosophy known as Taoism.

Scholars disagree whether Lao Tzu was a real person or a pen name for the writers of Tao Te Ching, which is often called “the Lao tzu.” A general history of China from the first century B.C. describes Lao Tzu as an older contemporary and teacher of Confucius (551-479 B.C.).

It says he wrote the two-volume Tao Te Ching at the request of the keeper of a “pass” while on a westward journey. Compared to Confucius, who focuses on right relations in human society, Lao Tzu takes a more mystical approach to tuning into the natural order of things as a way of achieving personal and social harmony.

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