Publisher's Synopsis
Sir Old (Lao-tzu), also known as Cosmic law and its latent powers (Tao-te ching) is a Chinese book said to have been written in the sixth century BC by a certain Lao Tan, Sir Old, but now sometimes thought more probably to come from the third or fourth century BC. The main classic of one of the Three Doctrines of traditional Chinese philosophy and belief, Taoism, it presents the major alternative and complement to Confucianism, continuing to occupy a position deep in the Chinese psyche. Its philosophy, after pointing out the fundamental mystery that the cosmos poses to human beings, goes on to champion the notion of the strength that can come from softness, non-interference, and other things commonly deemed weak. No quest after mysticism, it strives to its utmost to present subtle ideas with the greatest clarity. A work for the past, present and very much for the future.
