Laozi

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/laozi

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Laozi born?Traditionally dated to the 6th century BC; debated by modern scholars
2. Where was Laozi born?The ancient state of Chu, China
3. What is the career?Traditionally served as the royal archivist for the Zhou court
4. What is the related topics?Taoism, Daoism, Chinese philosophy, Confucianism, Zhuangzi, Warring States period
5. Who was Laozi?Laozi, meaning "Old Master," was a wise teacher from ancient China who is credited with writing the Tao Te Ching.
6. What is the Tao Te Ching?The Tao Te Ching is a book with 81 short chapters that teaches about living simply, being kind, and following the natural way of the world.

Tao Te Ching: A foundational text of Taoism, attributed to Laozi, exploring the nature of the Tao and principles for living.
Taoism: A philosophical and religious tradition originating in ancient China, emphasizing harmony with the natural order (Tao).
Wu Wei: A key Taoist concept signifying 'effortless action' or 'non-striving,' aligning with the natural flow of events.
Spring and Autumn period: An era in ancient Chinese history (c. 771–476 BC) known for political fragmentation and intellectual flourishing.