# Laozi — Tao Te Ching character guide > Laozi in Tao Te Ching by Laozi. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lao, Li, Li Êrh **First appearance:** 0001-was-taoism-older-than-laozi ## Who they are The Old Philosopher who grew weary of a crumbling dynasty, rode to the western pass, and left behind five thousand characters that outlasted every empire. ## Relationships ### [Chuang Tzŭ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/chuang_tzu) _friendship_ Chuang Tzŭ is a devoted follower and philosophical successor who frequently engages with Laozi's ideas, often expanding on them with playful parables. ### [Confucius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/confucius) _rivalry_ Confucius represents a contrasting ethical and political philosophy, and their interactions often highlight a fundamental ideological opposition. ### [Shang Ti](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/shang_ti) _psychological_ Laozi reinterprets Shang Ti (the Supreme Deity) as an impersonal, natural force, transforming a traditional religious figure into a philosophical concept. ### [Ssŭ - ma Chʽien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/ssu_ma_chien) _professional_ Ssŭ-ma Chʽien is the historian who records Laozi's biography, acting as a scholarly chronicler of his life and teachings. ### [Ho - shang Kung](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/ho_shang_kung) _professional_ Ho-shang Kung is a legendary commentator who wrote an influential early commentary on the Tao Te Ching, linking it to Daoist cultivation. ### [Mencius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/mencius) _rivalry_ Mencius, as a Confucian philosopher, is often contrasted with Laozi, representing a competing view on human nature and governance. ### [Han Fei](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/han_fei) _professional_ Han Fei, a Legalist philosopher, interprets Laozi's ideas to support authoritarian statecraft, adapting them for political theory. ### [Wang Pi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/wang_pi) _professional_ Wang Pi is a Neo-Daoist commentator who provides a metaphysical interpretation of Laozi's text, influencing later philosophical readings. ### [Huang Ti](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/huang_ti) _psychological_ Huang Ti (the Yellow Emperor) is mythologically linked to Laozi as a primordial sage, often used to lend ancient authority to Daoist ideas. ### [Abel - Rémusat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/abel_remusat) _professional_ Abel-Rémusat was a pioneering French sinologist who translated and studied the Tao Te Ching, introducing it to European academia. ### [Ho - shang Kung](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/ho_shang_kung) _professional_ Ho-shang Kung is a legendary commentator who wrote an influential early commentary on the Tao Te Ching, linking it to Daoist cultivation. ### [Ssŭ - ma Chʽien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/ssu_ma_chien) _professional_ Ssŭ-ma Chʽien is the historian who records Laozi's biography, acting as a scholarly chronicler of his life and teachings. ## In the story ### [Preface by James Legge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/preface-by-james-legge) Author of the Tao Te Ching, central figure of Taoism. ### [Was Taoism Older Than Laozi?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/was-taoism-older-than-laozi) Referred to as the acknowledged founder of Taoism, born in 604 BC, older than Confucius, and author of the Tao Te Ching. ### [The Texts of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-Tzŭ Shu, as Regards Their Authenticity and Genuineness, and the Arrangement of Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/the-texts-of-the-tao-te-ching-and-chuang-tz-shu-as-regards-their-authenticity-and-genuineness-and-the-arrangement-of-them) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching; his biography and the circumstances of the book's composition are discussed. ### [What Is the Meaning of the Name Tao? And the Chief Points of the Belief in Taoism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-name-tao-and-the-chief-points-of-the-belief-in-taoism) Author of the Tao Te Ching; his teachings on the Tao, non-action, and the paradoxical nature of the Tao are central to the chapter. ### [Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/accounts-of-laozi-and-chuang-tz-given-by-ss-ma-ch-ien) Surname Li, name Êrh, later Tan; native of Chʽu; curator in the Royal Library; met Confucius in 517 BC; wrote the Tao Te Ching at the request of Yin Hsi; died unknown. ### [Tao Te Ching](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/tao-te-ching) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, whose teachings form the core of the chapter. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-ii) The author of the Tao Te Ching, whose teachings on the interplay of opposites and the sage's non-action are central to this chapter. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the sage's method of governance. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching; the chapter's teachings reflect his philosophy. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Author of the chapter's wisdom on sensory restraint and the sage's way. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) The speaker of the chapter's teachings on favor, disgrace, and self-governance. ### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xv) Described as the source of the teaching on the ancient masters of the Tao, their subtle and elusive qualities. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xx) First-person voice of the chapter, describing his own detachment and contrast with ordinary people. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxii) The sage described in the chapter who embodies humility and non-striving. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxiii) The speaker of the chapter's wisdom, advocating for non-action and alignment with the Tao. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxv) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the Tao as the primordial and ultimate principle. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxvi) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the principle of gravity as the root of lightness and stillness as the ruler of movement. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxvii) Implied as the source of the teaching on the sage's skillful, non-coercive action. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii) The speaker of the chapter, advocating for humility and the return to simplicity. ### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxix) Speaker of the chapter's wisdom on non-action and the folly of trying to possess the kingdom by force. ### [Chapter 30: The Tao of War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxx) The speaker of the passage, advising against military aggression and advocating restraint. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxxi) The speaker of the chapter's teachings on the Tao and the proper attitude toward arms and warfare. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiii) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting teachings on self-knowledge and inner strength. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-i-xxxiv) The attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, whose teachings are reflected in this chapter. ### [Chapter XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxviii) Author of the Tao Te Ching; this chapter presents his critique of conventional virtue and the hierarchy of decline from the Tao. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-xlvii) The speaker of the chapter, advocating for inner knowledge over external seeking. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-xlix) Describes the sage's approach to governance and moral influence. ### [L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-l) The speaker of the chapter, offering wisdom on life, death, and the art of living without fear. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lii) The speaker of the chapter, presenting the Tao as the mother of all under the sky. ### [LV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lv) Author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the metaphor of the infant as the embodiment of Taoist virtue. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lvii) The sage whose teachings are quoted, advocating non-action and stillness as the means to transform society. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lviii) Implied author of the chapter's teachings on government and the sage's conduct. ### [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lx) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the principle of governing a great state like cooking small fish. ### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxiii) The sage described in this chapter embodies the Taoist ideal of effortless action and humility. ### [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxiv) The sage described in the chapter embodies Laozi's teachings on non-action and natural development. ### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxv) Speaker of the chapter, advocating for simplicity and ignorance in governance. ### [LXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxvi) Author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the ideal of the sage ruler. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxviii) The speaker of the chapter's verses, presenting the ideal of the sage who embodies non-contention and humility in warfare. ### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxx) The speaker who reflects on the obscurity and undervaluation of his teachings. ### [LXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxi) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the paradox of knowing and not knowing. ### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxii) Implied as the speaker of the wisdom in this chapter. ### [LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxiii) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching; the chapter presents his teachings on boldness and the effortless efficacy of Heaven. ### [LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxv) Author of the Tao Te Ching; this chapter reflects his critique of heavy taxation and over-governance. ### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxvii) Speaker of the chapter's teachings on the Way of Heaven and the sage. ### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxviii) Attributed author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the paradox of softness overcoming hardness. ### [LXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxix) Author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the sage's approach to reconciliation and the impartiality of Heaven. ### [LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxx) The speaker of the ideal state vision in this chapter. ### [LXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/part-ii-lxxxi) The presumed author of the Tao Te Ching, presenting the culminating teachings on sincerity, non-disputation, and the sage's way. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced as the author of the Tao Te Ching; his teachings are the subject of the endnotes. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/laozi - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters