LAO -TSE, or LAO-TSU, ( Chin., `Venerable Philosopher'). An ancient Chinese sage, the reputed founder of the philosophy known as Taoism (q.v.). Little is known re garding him that is absolutely trustworthy. That he existed is beyond doubt, for Sze-ma Ts'ien, the Chinese historian, who wrote about 100, mentions him and gives the longest sketch of his life that we have. Ibis real name was Li a name of no special significance, as Li is the commonest of surnames in China. It means `plain-tree,' and has served the legend mongers as a peg on which to hang the story that he was horn under a plum-tree, and that he im mediately pointed to the tree, saying. "From this tree I take my name." Another legend is that he was white-haired when he was born, having been carried for seventy years in his mother's womb, and from this circumstance he is known as Lao tse, which may mean 'old boy' as well as vener able philosopher. Ilis posthumous title was Peli Yang. or 'Earl Yang.' and his appellation Tan, which means 'that-eared.' Ile was born. accord ing to Sze-Ina. in the village of Kiule-jin t mis directed benevolence'), in the parish of Li l'cruelty'), the prefecture of Ku ('bitterness').
and the principality of 7's'n (`distress'), sup posed to have been situated in what is now the Province of llo-nan. or perhaps the neighboring Province of Ngan-hwei. This was in B.C. 604. At sonic time in his life he became librarian and archivist of the Chow dynasty. whose capital was at Lo-Yang, in Ho-nan. Ile had a consider able influence on Confucius, who visited him about n.c. 517, and learned from him a lesson in humility.
In his old age Lao-tse retired and betook him self to the frontier, whether of Ids own State or of the Empire is uncertain. There lie lingered for a time, instructing Yin-hi, the warden. and at his request wrote a book of about 5000 words. in he discussed the concepts of Tao and Telt. for which see the article TAotsm. Wben or where lie died is not known. Legend states that when last seen he was riding away into the wilderness of Tibet. mounted on a black ox. Sonic ill advised attempts. have been made to Latinize his name into Laorius. Consnit: Watters, Lao-ltiL a N hely in Chinese Philosophy (London. 1S791. and Carus, Lao-tze's Tao-leh-King (Chicago, 1 S9S ) .