Thomas Watters

Lao-Tz? Thomas Watters

HIS NAME WAS LI ERH- or, perhaps it was Li Tan. Regardless, in the English speaking world, we know him as Lao-Tz?, Laozi, or Lao-Tze . We also know him as the founder of the ancient Chinese doctrine Taoism and as the man who introduced the Western world to the concept of yin and yang, the dominant and opposite forces that create each other and everything else in the universe. Tao, usually translated as "the Way", is equated with Nature by the author of this text. Indeed, Lao-Tz?'s purpose was to describe a Way for oneself to a state of perfect nature. Much is uncertain about the life of Lao-Tz?. Watters, in the first chapter, describes what is generally agreed upon and what is debated by scholars. Was he, as many scholars assume, the mentor of the young Confucius? In later chapters, Watters finds many similarities in their thought-but many more stark diversions. The second chapter deals with the scholarly debate during Watters time over the philosophy itself; the third, introduces the reader to the TAO TE CHING, a brief book ascribed to Lao-Tz?, but almost certainly written by a follower. Chapter IV is on overview of Lao-Tz?'s teachings. Each of the following chapters describes a specific theme of Taoist thought: 5, Speculative Physics; 6, Politics; and 7, Ethics. Chapter VII deals with the important topic of the relationship between the two giants of ancient Chinese philosophy: Lao-Tz? and Confucius-their personal connections and their separate contributions. Watters concludes with a brief discussion of Lao-Tz?'s place in the history of philosophy in different cultures and in the many centuries after his time.