（春秋）老聃

Lao Dan (Spring and Autumn period) is a founding figure of the pre-Qin Daoist school. Public records of his life are limited, and later accounts combine legend with textual tradition. He is closely associated with the transmitted work Laozi, also known as the Daodejing, which sets out the ideas of Dao and De in concise, rhythmic language and advocates conformity to nature and governance through non-action; it has had a profound influence on Chinese philosophy, religion, and literature. Two related works are held in this collection: Laozi and The Dao Is Everywhere: The Wisdom of Laozi, the latter being an exposition and extension of Laozi's thought and a popular introduction within Eastern philosophy. Lao Dan's style is terse and pointed, rich in metaphor and contrast, conveying holistic reflections on the cosmos, society, and human life in short chapters that have continued to inspire commentators and readers across the ages.