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Glite Dictionary
Lao-tzu

Lao-tzu

3 9.9
A Chinese thinker who many people see as the founder of Taoism and the author of the Tao Te Ching
  • proper noun
  • /ˈlaʊˈdzʊ/
: Lao-tzu
  • Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching remains a foundational text in Chinese philosophy.

Examples

  • The teachings of Lao-tzu emphasize living in harmony with the Tao.

  • Lao-tzu is often regarded as the founder of Taoism in Chinese philosophy.

  • Many scholars debate whether Lao-tzu was a historical or legendary figure.

  • Many people study the teachings of Lao-tzu.

  • Did Lao-tzu really write the Tao Te Ching?

  • The philosophies of Lao-tzu promote the idea of simplicity and naturalness.

  • Many people seek wisdom from Lao-tzu's writings in the Tao Te Ching.

Synonyms

Lao-tse
vsLao-tzu
2 9.5

A Chinese teacher from long ago who taught living simply and following the natural way called the Tao

is the same figure but shown with a different Romanized spelling
Laozi
vsLao-tzu
1 8.8

A Chinese thinker from long ago who founded Taoism and wrote the Tao Te Ching

is the traditional hyphenated form of that same name
Lao-zi
vsLao-tzu
1 9.5

An ancient Chinese thinker who started Taoism and wrote the Dao De Jing

uses the hyphenated spelling and English Dao variant

Surface Forms

Lao-tzu main

Etymology

Lao-tzu comes from Chinese words lao 'old' and tzu 'master'. So the name means 'Old Master' and is a respectful title for a wise teacher, which helps explain why the traditional founder of Taoism and author of the Tao Te Ching is called Lao-tzu.