Laozi
노자
ChineseSpring and Autumn Period
"Founder of Taoism, Sage of the Tao"
✦ Personality Traits
✦ About
Laozi is the legendary founder of Taoism, said to have written the Tao Te Ching before riding an ox westward and disappearing into the mountains. His philosophy of the Tao—the Way—emphasizes naturalness, simplicity, and wu wei (non-action or effortless action).
In contrast to Confucius's emphasis on social ritual and governance, Laozi taught that the highest wisdom lies in following nature's patterns, that water's softness overcomes stone's hardness, and that the sage rules best by not ruling.
Laozi represents the mystery of the Tao, the wisdom of yielding and flowing, and the spiritual path that leads away from society into harmony with nature.
✦ Famous Story
Laozi served as keeper of the royal archives before becoming disillusioned with society. At the western gate, the guardian begged him to write down his wisdom before leaving forever. Laozi composed the 5,000 characters of the Tao Te Ching, then rode into the west and was never seen again.
✦ If You Match
Your features carry the mysterious wisdom of Laozi. There is natural flow in your appearance—the look of one who follows the Tao and finds strength in yielding to nature's way.
