A review by bigliver
Tao Te Ching by Laozi

2.0

Tao Te Ching is a very fascinating book that I came across on social media where it was mentioned next to books on Stoicism, mainly Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. I was somewhat disappointed in the sense of the book talking about self help. However, the book provides a interesting take on how to live life. From my interpretation Lao Tzu (who no one is sure if they were a real historical figure that lived) thinks that humans should submit to the way of the universe or to "the way" (the tao). This kind of reminds me of the modern "go with the flow" saying and philosophy that many people adopt. At the time of writing this review I have also started the republic and see similarities in the politics described by the two philosophers mainly that the ruler should be reluctant to rule with Lao Tzu going as far to say that they should do nothing to rule. I enjoyed this book although I think it was fairly repetitive and lacked a little bit of substance but it was an interesting glance into 500 bc China though. I do recommend this book as a very simple and easy philosophy read.