Author bio: The author of "Te-Tao Ching" is said to be Lao-Tzu, a Chinese scholar who lived from approximately 570-490 B.C.E. Although it is not for certain, he is thought to have been in contact with Confucius, and must have therefore been respected as a wise scholar. Today, many still regard Lao-Tzu as the father of Taoism, an old chinese religion established around Lao-Tzu and his ideas about "the way" and of "virtue". I believe that there may be some bias towards his writings because he must be an advocate of his personally established religion, but on the other hand, his knowledge of Taoism and his own "Te-Tao Ching" make him a reliable source for the information.
Date/Context: This document was written around 500 B.C.E. by a man named Lao-Tzu, who developed his religious ideas about Chinese culture into modern day Taoism. The "Te-Tao Ching" revolves around two central points, the Tao, and the Te. Tao, meaning the way, as in the way of life, and Te, meaning virtue. The piece is written in a traditional, poetic manner and involves supernatural aspects of the connections between Heaven and Earth. Although this was written so many years ago, I believe that it still holds sociohistorical and geopolitical significance because the ideas spread through the piece allowed for the development of Taoism in China. If these ideas were perhaps rejected or never came to be spread, then the religion of Taoism would never have came to be, displaying its lasting sociohistorical significance. The "Te-Tao Ching" also is a reflection of the era's geopolitics, in that there are examples of Chinese culture and traditions from around 500 B.C.E. Overall, the texts shared by Lao-Tzu have come to be a symbol of Taoist roots, giving it immense cultural and historical significance, in particular to the Chinese.
Summary: The "Te-Tao Ching" was a traditional poetic style piece of writing produced by an ancient Chinese man by the name of Lao-Tzu in the 6th century B.C.E. The main ideas of the short piece revolve around cultural beliefs, and the natural way of life. The beliefs of Taoism are represented through this very writing, telling the followers of Taoism to become one with the Heavens and Earth, and to live in peace and tranquility with the world.
Key Quotation: "If you're one with the Tao, to the end of your days you'll suffer no harm.
Very strong analysis Scott. You used many specific examples from the text and clearly did background research. My only criticism is that the summary was on the shorter end but it is made up for by the extra information written in the date and context section. In addition you ended your analysis with a concise quote. Good work.
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