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Tao Te Ching is the fundamental work of Taoism, and not only points with poetic elegance to the mystery of Oneness, but provides practical guidelines for cultivating character, conducting war, and governing nations. As with most ancient texts, authorship is difficult to determine. It is commonly attributed to a specific person named Lao Tsu, who is said to have been a contemporary of Confucius, and may have been an archivist to the emperor. Some historians point out, however, that one meaning of the characters lao tsu is 'old man,' and that it was more likely a nickname than a proper name. These same two characters can also form the words 'old scholar,' pronounced roshi in Japanese-a title usually reserved for a Zen master.Carrying out one’s work in an unassuming manner is an important aspect of Taoist philosophy. So much so that often a Taoist writer or painter would either not sign his work, or use a pseudonym that honored his teacher. It is not a stretch, therefore, to surmise that the Tao Te Ching may well have been written by a sage-or sages- wishing to remain anonymous, as well as pay homage to the old masters who had come before.The case for more than one author is a good one. There is a certain inconsistency in the poetics and content that suggest not only multiple writers but perhaps multiple time periods as well. Regardless, in the end only the work itself matters. The Tao Te Ching is a profound, enduring text that never ceases to amaze, mystify, inspire, and reveal. Whoever first brushed these verses on paper was merely the middle man. The words are from the Source.
