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Thinker · c. 6th century BCE

Laozi

The semi-legendary author of the Tao Te Ching, founder of philosophical Taoism. He taught wu wei — effortless action that flows with the grain of things rather than against it.

Contributions
  • Articulation of the Tao as unnameable principle
  • Concept of wu wei (effortless action)
  • Paradoxical wisdom of softness overcoming hardness
Words that traveled
"
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
— Laozi
"
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
— Laozi
"
He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.
— Laozi
"
From caring comes courage.
— Laozi
"
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
— Laozi
"
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
— Laozi