ABSTRACT
Laozi has been considered one of the most important texts of Daoism, a prominent philosophical school originated in China, since the third century bce. The textual history of Laozi is complex and nearly untraceable. The mythical authors notwithstanding, Laozi presents a profound albeit cryptic political philosophy despite its incredible brevity. Laozi can be understood as a response to the violent era caused by the states’ failure to guarantee life and social stability. The political philosophy of Laozi, like the teachings of other Chinese philosophies during this period, focuses on how enduring order can be achieved. In understanding death, Laozi recognizes the natural difference between life and death. Being alive is qualitatively different from being dead. Ziran is another concept central to Laozi.
