Laozi
Modern scholars in the mid-twentieth century reached a consensus that the historicity of Laozi is doubtful. They view the Dào Dé Jīng as a compilation of Taoist sayings by many hands rather than the work of a single author. This text lacks a central master figure, which places it in marked contrast with nearly all other early Chinese philosophical works. The oldest manuscript containing text from this book dates to the late 4th century BC on bamboo slips excavated at Guodian Chu Slips. These passages correspond with roughly one third of the received text and are mixed with passages not carried by the transmitted version. Analysis of early commentary supports an accretionary evolution for the text instead of a singular authorship event.
Sima Qian wrote the Records of the Grand Historian in the 1st-century BC to preserve biographical references about Laozi. He presented multiple accounts while expressing various levels of doubt in his sources. One account claims Laozi was born in the village of Quren within the southern state of Chu during the 6th or 5th century BC. Another story identifies him as a contemporary called Li Er who lived during the 4th century BC reign of Duke Xian of Qin. A third narrative describes him as the court astrologer Lao Dan who ventured west to live as a hermit at the age of 80. Sima Qian also recorded that he met Confucius on one occasion before composing the Dào Dé Jīng in a single session.
Wu wei literally means non action or not acting yet it is a central concept of the Dào Dé Jīng. The concept reflects words' multiple meanings including not doing anything, not forcing, and flowing with the moment. This idea explains ziran which represents harmony with the Tao. Language and conventional wisdom are critically assessed as inherently biased and artificial by Taoist views. Alan Chan provides an example where Laozi encouraged a change in approach rather than direct action regarding technology. Some scholars insist this explanation ignores the religious context found in terms like valley spirit and soul.
The story of Laozi has taken on strong religious overtones since the Han dynasty when Taoism took root. Belief in the revelation of the Tao from the divine Laozi resulted in the formation of the Way of the Celestial Masters. Taoist myths state that Laozi was a virgin birth conceived when his mother gazed upon a falling star. He supposedly remained in her womb for 62 years before being born while his mother leaned against a plum tree. Other myths state he was reborn 13 times after his first life during the days of Fuxi. In his last incarnation as Laozi he lived 990 years and spent his life traveling to reveal the Tao.
Laozi has been venerated as the ancestor of all subsequent Lis including the emperors of the Tang dynasty. This family was known as the Longxi Li lineage according to historical records. Under the Tang, Laozi received a series of temple names of increasing grandeur starting in the year 666. Emperor Gaozong named him the Supremely Mysterious and Primordial Emperor in that same year. In 743 Emperor Xuanzong declared him the Sage Ancestor of the dynasty with the posthumous title of Mysterious and Primordial Emperor. Emperor Xuanzong also elevated Laozi's parents to the ranks of Innately Supreme Emperor and Innate Empress.
Many contemporary philosophers have seen Laozi as a proponent of limited government and anti-authoritarian movements. The right-libertarian economist Murray Rothbard suggested that Laozi was the first libertarian likening his ideas to Friedrich Hayek's theory of spontaneous order. James A. Dorn agreed writing that Laozi argued that minimizing the role of government would best achieve social harmony. The anarcho-syndicalist writer Rudolf Rocker praised Laozi's gentle wisdom regarding political power and cultural activities. Peter Kropotkin noted in his 1910 article for the Encyclopædia Britannica that Laozi was among the earliest proponents of essentially anarchist concepts.
Common questions
Who was Laozi and when did he live?
Modern scholars consider the historicity of Laozi doubtful, viewing him as a semi-legendary figure. Accounts suggest he lived during the 6th or 5th century BC in the southern state of Chu, while other narratives place him in the 4th century BC under Duke Xian of Qin.
What is the Dào Dé Jīng and who wrote it?
The Dào Dé Jīng is a compilation of Taoist sayings by many hands rather than the work of a single author. The oldest manuscript containing text from this book dates to the late 4th century BC on bamboo slips excavated at Guodian Chu Slips.
When was Sima Qian Records of the Grand Historian written about Laozi?
Sima Qian wrote the Records of the Grand Historian in the 1st-century BC to preserve biographical references about Laozi. He presented multiple accounts including stories where Laozi met Confucius before composing the Dào Dé Jīng in a single session.
How did Laozi influence the Tang dynasty emperors?
Laozi has been venerated as the ancestor of all subsequent Lis including the emperors of the Tang dynasty through the Longxi Li lineage. Emperor Gaozong named him the Supremely Mysterious and Primordial Emperor starting in the year 666, and Emperor Xuanzong declared him the Sage Ancestor of the dynasty in 743.
What political theories are associated with Laozi today?
Many contemporary philosophers see Laozi as a proponent of limited government and anti-authoritarian movements. Peter Kropotkin noted in his 1910 article for the Encyclopædia Britannica that Laozi was among the earliest proponents of essentially anarchist concepts.