Author Description

Product Description This is a revised translation of a 2500 year old classic Chinese text, originally written in the language of Chinese classics. The Dao De Jing is one of the two top Chinese classic texts, first introduced to the West in the early 19th Century. Lao Zi, author of this text, and Confucius, author of The Analects, were both distinguished authors who wrote and spoke in aphorisms. Confucians worship culture and reason; Taoist (Daoists) reject them in favor of nature and intuition. Lao Zi was a mystic who took an interest in the mystery and beauty of the universe. This current Harvard Square version is based on newly translated texts translated from classic Chinese to modern Chinese in 1991 and published by Shanghai Ancient Texts Publishing House, Feng Dafu, a Chinese classic textual scholar. The translator, Ju Yanan, Ph.D. crafted new titles, not contained in earlier versions of translations. The original text had no punctuations marks. Punctuations used in this translation were also the work of the translator to ensure readability of this text, offering no interpretation of explanation unless it was determined to be absolutely necessary. Dr. Ju Yanan is a professor at Central Connecticut State University. About the Author Lao Zi is an intriguing, shadowy character in Chinese literature and folklore. To begin with, no one can say for sure what Lao Zi's true family name was. People agree that he was born in the state of Chu during the Zhou dynasty some 500 years before Jesus Christ. Legend has it that Confucius once consulted him on matters related to rites and ceremonies, so it is also alleged that Lao Zi was born earlier than Confucius. Other scholars have him living in later centuries. Some question if he ever existed at all.