About This Book

The title means "The Classic of the Way and Virtue," or "The Way and its Power." This long poem (or collection of poems — or work of philosophy and advice) is the basis of the set of beliefs that comprise Taoism. Like the Analects of Confucius, the Tao-Teh King has influenced every aspect of Chinese history and culture. But while Confucianism addresses and governs social order, Taoism emphasizes individual life and tranquility.

About Lao-Tze

Attributed to the Chinese scholar Lao-Tzu (6th century B.C.) and codified over 2,000 years ago, the Tao-Teh King contains between 5,227 and 5,722 words and is often called the 5,000 character classic.

Tao 2, a central tenant of Taoism: The wisest person trusts the process / Without seeking to control; takes everything as it comes, / Lives not to achieve or possess, / But simply to be / In Harmony with Tao.