(604 BCE - 531 BCE)
Lao Tzu was a philosopher and writer from ancient China. He is credited with writing the Tao Te Ching, the foundational text of Taoism. His philosophy emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), which is the fundamental, nameless force that flows through all things. He advocated for simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action (wu wei) as paths to wisdom and peace.