Chinese Poets－Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu (6th Century B.C.) also known as Lao Tse, Laotze, Laosi, Laocius) was a poet and philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching. This is a body of mystical writings giving an insight into ultimate reality. The Tào Té Chīng forms an important basis of Daoism.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

- Lao Tzu

He attracted many followers, but he refused to set his ideas down in writing. He believed that written words might solidify into formal dogma. He wanted his philosophy to remain a natural way to live life with goodness, serenity, and respect. He believed a person’s conduct should be governed by instinct and conscience.

He believed that human life is constantly influenced by outside forces. He believed ‘simplicity’ to be the key to truth and freedom. He encouraged his followers to observe, and seek to understand the laws of nature; to develop intuition and build up personal power; to use that power to lead life with love, and without force.

“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you.”

- Lao Tzu