Lao tzu vs confucius biography

In the long history of the Chinese civilization, Confucius and Lao Zi (老子, a philosopher in the Spring and Autumn Period and founder of Taoism) are undoubtedly two outstanding thinkers.

They are the founders of Confucianism and Taoism, respectively, which profoundly influenced Chinese culture.

According to historical records, these two sages had three meetings.

After the first meeting, Confucius gained a deeper understanding of Li (礼); after the second meeting, Confucius thought more deeply about Ren (仁) and Yi (义); and after the third meeting, Confucius obtained more profound insights into the highest state of Tao (道, the Way of the Universe).

This article will focus on Confucius’s first encounter with Lao Zi in Luoyang (洛阳), which set Confucius on a more mature path.

The First Meeting between Confucius and Lao Tzu

Historically, when Confucius first met Lao Zi, Lao Zi was still working as a historiographer in the