Lao Tzu
Part of a series on Taoism Theories Dao (Tao) De (Te) Wuji Taiji Yin-Yang Wu wei Xian Wu Xing Qi Practices Three Treasures Taoist meditation Taoist diet Neidan Taoist sexual practices Texts Laozi (Tao Te Ching) Zhuangzi Liezi Daozang Deities Hongjun Laozu Three Pure Ones Guan Shengdi Eight Immortals Yellow Emperor Li Hong Xiwangmu Jade Emperor Other deities People Laozi Zhuangzi Zhang Daoling Zhang Jue Ge Hong Chen Tuan Schools Wudoumi Tianshi Shangqing Lingbao Quanzhen (Longmen) Zhengyi Wuliu Yao Taoism Holy places Taoist temple Grotto-heavens Mount Penglai Organisations Chinese Taoist Association Celestial Master Daoshi Portal Taoism v t e Laozi (also Lao-Tzu /ˈlaʊˈdzʌ/ or Lao-Tze) was a philosopher and poet of ancient China. He is best known as the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of philosophical Taoism, but he is also revered as a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. Although a legendary figure, he is usually dated to around the 6th century BC and reckoned a contemporary of Confucius, but some historians contend that he actually lived during the Warring States period of the 5th or 4th century BC. A central figure in Chinese culture, Laozi is claimed by both the emperors of the Tang dynasty and modern people of the Li surname as a founder of their lineage. Throughout history, Laozi's work has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements.