# Wang Pi — Tao Te Ching character guide

> Wang Pi in Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Wang - chu

**First appearance:** 0005-tao-te-ching

## Who they are

The prodigy who died at twenty-four but left a commentary so prized it became the standard text for centuries of readers.

## Relationships

### [Laozi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/laozi)

_professional_

Wang Pi is a Neo-Daoist commentator who provides a metaphysical interpretation of Laozi's text, influencing later philosophical readings.

## In the story

### [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)

Early commentator on the Tao Te Ching; his text and commentary are highly prized and used by later scholars.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/chapters/endnotes)

His text and commentary are referenced; his reading of 'My Tao' in chapter 67 is noted.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters/wang_pi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tao_te_ching_se/characters