Lao Zi (6th–5th Century BCE?): Dao of International Politics

Abstract

Seeing that the Zhou Dynasty is decaying, Lao Zi decides to leave the Central Kingdom and live in seclusion. When he arrives at the Hangu Pass, which holds the Western border, Yin Xi, the commander of the Pass, requests him to write a book which is later titled Lao Zi or the Sacred Book of Dao and De. Having completed the work, Lao Zi goes further west and is never heard of again. The conversation is between Lao Zi and Yin Xi, when the former has completed his book and begins to leave. Though living in the 6th century BCE China, both men have a wide knowledge both of the Western tradition and international politics today.