A Basic Dao: An Introduction to The Way

The Dao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Dao;
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
—Laozi, Chapter One

The Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) by Laozi (Lao Tzu) is unquestionably the best known and most widely read of all classical Chinese philosophy texts. It has been adapted into all forms of modern media, including business, personal relationships, meditation, and sports. Rarely has a book been published containing the essential, unaltered text in an aesthetically minimalist format, preserving the essence of the original prose.

Like the writings of Sunzi, Confucius, and Mencius, the work of Laozi also forms one of the founding pillars of the Chinese artistic and literary canon. The Dao De Jing offers profound insight into classical Chinese philosophical thought, while providing practical, sensible advice for leading one’s life in today’s modern world.

A Basic Dao joins the other titles in the Long River Press’ Basic series, which highlights the best examples of ancient Chinese philosophy in their pure, unaltered forms. A Basic Dao takes some of the most popular quotations from Laozi and arranges them with historical anecdotes on the opposite page. The result is an ideal book for beginning or experienced philosophy students, philanthropists, and anyone with an interest in the philosophical and literary traditions of China.

Kuijie Zhou is based in Beijing. She has compiled other Chinese philosophical texts, including A Basic Confucius and A Basic Mencius.

Philip Robyn is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the translator of Yao Ming: The Road to the NBA.