Books by Lao Zi

Stephen Mitchell's much praised translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, with its message of balance and harmony in living, is accompanied by a selection of ancient Chinese paintings.

William Shakespeare, Plato, Buddha, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Napoleon Bonaparte are just some of the famous names that make up this collection of 500 famous quotes.With ancient sages, politicians, military leaders, philosophers, and physicists imparting their wisdom, this carefully crafted compilation will not only develop your cultural knowledge but entertain, amuse, and inspire you too.´Develop your General Culture in 1000 Quotes´ will delight those who would like a boost of cultural literacy.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was one of the greatest English poets, playwrights, and actors. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) is regarded as one of the 19th-century philosophers to have had a lasting effect on contemporary philosophy. Sun Tzu (544 BC-496 BC) was a Chinese philosopher and military general who influenced Western and East Asian philosophy with his work ´The Art of War´. Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded the Platonist school of thought. He is considered a key figure in the history of Ancient Greek and Western philosophy.Lao Zi (1368 – 1644) is credited as the founding father of Taoism. Thought to have lived at the same time as Confucius, he wrote the Tao Te Ching. Gautama Buddha (480 BCE – 400 BCE) was an aristocrat who eschewed materialism, in favour of spiritual reflection. He is the founder of Buddhism. Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955) was a theoretical physicist, who is best remembered for developing the Theory of Relativity.Born in England, Winston Churchill (1874-1965) served as the British Prime Minister during WWII. Confucius (551 BCE–479 BCE) was born in China. His profound teachings established Confucianism, which promotes personal and societal morality. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was a French military leader during the French Revolution.

‘The Three Asian Wise Men: Confucius, Lao Tzu, Buddha’ is a collection of quotes and sayings by the three great ancient sages, whose words of wisdom continue to influence Chinese society to this day.Architects of the three teachings: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, they created the idea of Ying and Yang, going with the flow, reincarnation, benevolent leadership and many others.With well-known sayings such as "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." and "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.", this collection is perfect if you want to understand modern-day China or just learn some wisdom that will help you in life.Confucius (551BC – 479BC) was a Chinese philosopher and politician. Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. Buddha was a spiritual teacher who lived during the 5th century B.C. Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Buddha are three ancient sages whose insight and beliefs have influenced Asian and Chinese society for hundreds of years. Creators of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, their words of wisdom are famous all over the world and continue to influence and help people to this day.

‘100 Quotes by Lao Tseu’ is a collection of thoughts and reflections by one of the most influential figures in Chinese philosophy. Thoughtful, reflective, and with a focus on personal development, his ideas are food for any hungry soul. An ideal read for those with an interest in philosophy, this book is superb for dipping in and out of, particularly if you’re in search of a drop of practical wisdom.Commonly referred to as the ‘Old Master,’ Lao Tseu (4th century) is thought to have been born in the Hu district, part of the Henan province. What little is known about him suggests that he was a court astrologer and historian under the Zhou dynasty. According to legend, Tseu met Confucius and accused him of being too arrogant and ambitious. Subsequently, Confucius hailed him as something close to a dragon, seeing the world from above the clouds.Tseu’s travels are equally shrouded in mythology, with many stating that he travelled to the pass separating the Wei valleys and the Yellow River. There, he was challenged to write a book, by the guardian, Yinxi. The result was the ‘Daodejing,’ Tseu’s thoughts on the purpose and fulfilment of life.

The "Dao De Jing" exists on the border between poetry and philosophy, embracing both mythos and logos. Its poetic form can stand alone, but it is enriched when its timeless ideas are analyzed and explained through careful scholarship. For example: "He who knows others is knowledgeable. He who knows himself is wise." These words resemble Socrates’ account of his own quest in Plato’s "Apology". Ancient philosophy, both in China and in Greece, places self-knowledge at the center of the search for wisdom. Contemporary philosophers are often misled about this way of thinking, because the self has been detached from external things and separated from nature and society. The wisdom of China and of Europe unites human existence and nature.Lao Zi was a scholar responsible for the imperial archives in China. He was a contemporary of Confucius, but most of what is told about his life is considered to be legend rather than documented history. One story says that Lao Zi grew weary of the foolish ways of his fellow human beings and headed to the desert to die. On the way, the gatekeeper recognized him and persuaded him to transcribe his wisdom before leaving. Whatever its source, the "Dao De Jing" continues to shape the consciousness of human beings throughout the globe, turning the mind from the external world to the depths of the soul.

Written for English-language readers, this Taoist book of religious and philosophical Chinese writings explores the centrality of Wang's commentaries in Chinese thought, the position of the Tao-te Ching in East Asian tradition, and Wang's short life and the era in which he lived.