Biography
 

    Lao Tzu, famous for his book of poetry entitled the Tao Te Ching, lived in the 6th century BC, around the time of Confucius.  HIs name is an epithet, meaning "Old Boy" acquired by his mother's miraculous conception of Tzu. Apparently, his mother was unable to have children, so his birth was considered a phenomenon.  He was born in 604 BC in the town of Luoyang in ancient China.  Not much is known about his family because many are not sure this man is not just a legend.
    Lao Tzu was a keeper of the archives at the imperial court.   HE held the office of the shi which means "a keeper of the archives and sacred books".  He was most likely affulent in astrology and divination.  It is the equivalent to a historian today.
    When he was eighty years old he was compelled to go on a journey.  He was saddened that men seemed to refuse to follow the path to natural goodness.  He set out for the western border of China, toward what is now TIbet.  At the border of the next state, Ch'in,  a guard asked him to record his teachings and wisdom before he passed through.  He was there three days, after which he composed the Tao Te Ching, a profound 5,250 words.