Philosopher’s Spotlight — Lao Tzu
Welcome to the Philosopher’s Spotlight. Every so often, I take a look at a philosopher that shaped his or her life with profound words and deeds, and impacted the lives of those around them in a meaningful way. I love drinking in proverbs, wisdom literature, and insights or different ways of living that can help us all live better, find peace and love more.
Hey, it’s me again. It’s been hard staying consistent on publishing stories, as I’m sure almost every aspiring writer has experienced. Often times the hardest part is simply getting started. In any case, this Philosopher’s Spotlight series is near and dear to my heart, so today let’s take a moment to reflect and meditate upon some of the wonderful words of Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism.
Context
Lao Tzu is best known as the founder of Taoism (or ‘Daoism’), which emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, literally ‘The Way’, or the source, pattern and substance of everything that exists. Think of it as the life energy present in us and all around us. The main ideas of this way of thinking focus on wu wei (action without intention), naturalness, simplicity, spontaneity and the ‘Three Treasures’: compassion, frugality and humility.
Much mystique surrounds the person of Lao Tzu, and he is even considered to be a ‘semi-legendary’…
