Laozi (Li Er)
Philosophy & Thought • Historical Archive • 🇨🇳 China • 11 views

Laozi (Li Er) 🇨🇳

老子 (李耳) (Known as "Laozi")
Sage, Philosopher, Founder of Daoism, Author of the Daodejing
Born c. 571 BCE 🇨🇳 Luyi, China
Passed Away c. 500 BCE Mount Zhongnan, China
Lifespan ~71 years old
11 views
Notice / Correction
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. (千里之行，始于足下)"

Archival Overview

Ancient philosopher and royal archivist of the Zhou court. Father of Daoism and author of the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing), teaching natural simplicity, cosmic harmony, and effortless action (Wu Wei).

Biographical Record

Laozi served as keeper of the archives at the royal court of Luoyang. Disillusioned with the decline of court morality, legend holds that he mounted a water buffalo and rode westward into the mountains.

At the Hangu Pass, the guardian requested that he write down his wisdom before departing; Laozi composed the 5,000-character Daodejing, expounding the eternal Dao, humility, simplicity, and non-contention with nature.

Key Life Milestones

c. 550 BCE

Royal Archivist at the Zhou Imperial Court

Managed sacred astrological scrolls and historical chronicles at Luoyang.

c. 518 BCE

Historic Dialogue with Confucius

Met Confucius in Luoyang, counseling him to abandon pride and cultivate water-like humility.

c. 500 BCE

Writing the Daodejing at Hangu Pass

Inscribed the 81 chapters of the Tao Te Ching at the request of pass guardian Yinxi.

c. 490 BCE

Transcendence into Western Mountain Solitude

Disappeared westward, revered as the patron deity Taishang Laojun in Daoist tradition.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Taiqing Palace & Sacred Sanctuary of Laozi
Mount Zhongnan, China
GPS: 33.8767, 115.3853
View on Memory Atlas
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