Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu ("Old Master"), traditionally born Li Er in 6th-century BC Henan, China, served as an imperial bookkeeper for the Zhou dynasty. Blending legend and historical fact, he is revered as the foundational figure of Taoism and author of the Tao Te Ching, though modern scholars view the text as a Warring States-era compilation. Promoting alignment with the universe (Tao), effortless action (wu wei), and naturalness (ziran), his anti-establishment philosophy countered rigid Confucianism. Disillusioned by political decay, Lao Tzu reportedly self-exiled west, penning his wisdom for a border gatekeeper before vanishing from history.