Laozi (Lao Tzu) is a legendary ancient Chinese philosopher and poet considered the founder of Taoism, an influential philosophical and spiritual tradition, as well as the author of the classic text Tao Te Ching, which contains teachings on harmony with nature (Tao) through the principle of wu wei (non-action). His name means "Old Master" and he is believed to have lived around the 6th century BC, although his historical identity remains debated.