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The Tao Te Ching is a Chinese classic text, considered the cornerstone of Taoism. Written by Lao Tsu in the 6th century BC, its philosophies strongly influenced Chinese Buddhism, Confucianism and Legalism. Summary of the Book Often translated as the Classic of the Way of Virtue, the Tao Te Ching is one of the tenets upon which Chinese philosophy has evolved. Its original manuscript's age is widely debated, placed by some in the 6th century and by others in the fourth century BC. In its pages one finds ancient Chinese thoughts on the Cosmos. It examines our place in the universe and places heavy emphasis on human morality. Knowledge is paramount in Chinese philosophy and accordingly the Tao Te Ching places Knowledge on a pedastal, explaining that knowing the self is enlightenment. Knowledge of the self and of others is a sign of strength and wisdom. This authorative translation by Arthur Waley incorporates the latest improvements in translating this masterful work. About the Authors Lao Tsu, alternatively spelled Lao Tzu, Laozi or Lao-Tze, was a Chinese philosopher and poet. He is purported to have lived in the 4th or 5th centuries BC during the Warring States period. A legendary figure, he is considered the contemporary of Confucius by some historians. Lao Tsu is considered the author of the Tao Te Ching and is revered as a deity in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese Religions. Arthur Waley was an English orientalist and sinologist. He was known for his translations of oriental works, some of which are: Monkey, The Tale of Genji, The N? Plays of Japan, The Analects of Confucius, The Book of Songs (Shih Ching) and Ballads and Stories from Tun-Huang.