Lao-Tzu

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Lao-Tzu also Lao Tan (Chin., ‘old master’). A founding figure (though perhaps legendary) of Taoism, and according to tradition a contemporary (and teacher) of Confucius. His main importance is the tradition that he is the author of Tao-te ching, which is consequently also known as Lao-tzu; though again that claim cannot be historically true. He was later deified in religious Taoism (tao-chiao).

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