Lao Tzu's birth date is unknown, with scholars placing it between 600 and 400 B.C.E.; it is most likely close to the sixth century. In his biography, Records of the Historian, it is said that he was a contemporary of Confucius (there is some evidence that he may have met and instructed Confucius on one occasion) and once served as curator of the dynastic archives until retiring to the mythical K'un-lun Mountains. Thereupon he transmitted his teachings to a border guard who compiled the Tao Te Ching. The name “Lao Tzu” signifies “old person” or “old philosopher.”

The Tao Te Ching, purported to contain Lao Tzu's great teachings, is a compilation. Most scholars agree that the sayings were gathered over many years, with some ascribed to Lao Tzu and others to his disciples. The work is a collection of pithy aphorisms or sayings that express the ideas that make up his teachings.

The Tao Te Ching has been referred to as a “wisdom book.” Here is a sampling: