Born in the 5th century BC, Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer who is believed to have been the author of the book - The Tao Te Ching and the founder of Taoism. There is limited information available on him and some even question his very existence. However, his teachings have been passed down through time, his beliefs have been established within many great minds, and his words of wisdom and understanding of life and the universe have had a profound impact on the way we view the world, ourselves, and the meaning of life.

Throughout this journey, I have found various supporting ideas throughout history, the world and other philosophers, many of whom have similar ideologies on life and the balancing act in maintaining neutrality when dealing with fluctuations of our emotions. Lao Tzu writes various paradoxes that both support and discredit ideas and perceptions of life which make us question our very existence, yet somehow understand as well.

"What is and what is not create each other."

"If nothing else, know you do not know."

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."

What I find most interesting about Lao Tzu and the meaning of the Tao is that he portrays this type of break line type metaphor of neutrality. To know is to understand that you do not know. He expresses how life is a combination of Yin and Yang, and through understanding the importance of both sides, yet not understanding either side, can we find balance and harmony within universal energy.

Lao Tzu has an incredibly powerful and deep-rooted philosophy. He has a wide array of perspectives that I believe contribute strongly to the search for happiness. His wisdom and devotion to understanding have had a significant impact on Chinese culture, and I believe his perspective on the universe and the understanding of our lives is focused purely on finding balance and happiness.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

"Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power."

"If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present."

There is so much wisdom and understanding to be found within Lao Tzu's teachings, and I continually am brought back to him on my search for happiness. I truly believe that through his understanding of balance between worlds, his perception of being true to oneself, living in the moment, and traversing through emotions like the flow of a river. There is a magic that can help all of us work towards a fundamental foundation of true purpose, fulfillment, and happiness.
Simplicity, patience and compassion

“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”

Thanks,

Dean