Laozi

The story, in brief.

Laozi is the name traditionally given to an ancient Chinese philosopher, also identified as Li Er or Lao Dan, who is regarded as the author or originating teacher associated with the Tao Te Ching, one of the foundational texts of Taoism. Traditional accounts place him in the 6th century BC state of Chu during China's Spring and Autumn period, describe him as a keeper of archival records at the Zhou court, and remember him as an elder contemporary of Confucius. Modern scholars remain divided over his identity, dates, and precise relationship to the received text: some regard the traditional Laozi as largely or wholly legendary, while others consider a historical Lao Dan plausible and accept the tradition that he was a senior contemporary of Confucius.

Introduction from Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full biography ↗

A life in milestones.

Selected records from Wikidata. Ages are approximate; “c.” marks uncertain dates. This is a starting point for exploration, not a complete life history.

This edition has life dates for Laozi; more sourced milestones are still to be added.

1. 6th century BCE
   Life

   Born in Chu

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2. 1st millennium BCE
   Life

   Death

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