Laozi
/ˈlaʊ.dzɪ/noun
Laozi is the traditional ancient Chinese philosopher credited as the founder of Daoism and author of the Daodejing.
Did you know?Laozi’s historicity is debated: the figure may combine traditions about several early thinkers, while the Daodejing itself likely developed over time rather than being written all at once.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
老子
“An honorific expression meaning “old master” or “venerable master”; 老 meant “old” and 子 could mean “master” or “teacher.””
Warring States period
Classical Chinese
老子
“A title or name associated with a revered teacher whose teachings became linked with Daoist philosophy.”
2nd–1st Century BCE
Chinese
老子
“The figure was incorporated into emerging traditions surrounding the Daodejing and the philosophical Daoist lineage.”
19th Century
English
Lao-tzu
“An older English transcription based largely on the Wade–Giles romanization system.”
20th–21st Century
English
Laozi
“The modern pinyin romanization of the Chinese name 老子, commonly pronounced approximately “Lao-dzuh.””