Lao Tzu

The 6th BCE century philosopher Lao Tzu (or Laozi) is often associated with Confucianism, as he was reputed to have met with Confucius to discuss rites and passages. He is famous in his own right for founding Taoism and writing the Tuo Te Ching. Taoism or Daoism, along with Buddhism and Confucianism, is one of the three "pillars" of Chinese thought.

Unfortunately, little is known about Lao Tzu--or at least not much is known that can be verified with any great historical accuracy. Much of our knowledge of him comes from the Historical Records of Ssu'ma Ch'ien, who documented him around 100 BCE. Ssu'ma Ch'ien noted that Lao Tzu came from Qu Red village in Li District, Ku Prefecture, from Chu Land. It is also known that he was an archivist for the Royal Court during the Chou dynasty, and that he was visited by the scholar Confucious. Finally, it is very likely that he became disenchanted with his situation and left for the West, after dictating the Tuo Te Ching.

Taoism and Lao Tzu's teachings are not very compatible with Confucianism. While Confucius was interested in society and bringing order to social life, Lao Tzu preached the practices of nondoing and wu, or emptiness. Lao Tzu's philosophy seems to suggest that we should withdraw from the world and become reclusive, and Lao Tzu would not likely have shared the same interests as Confucius in the rites they allegedly discussed.

Two quotes below have been attributed to Lao Tzu:

The Sage

Therefore the sage manages affairs without doing anything, and conveys his instructions without the use of speech.

The Ruler

Therefore the sage, in the exercise of his government, empties their minds, fills their bellies, weakens their wills, and strengthens their bones. He constantly (tries to) keep them without knowledge and without desire, and where there are those who have knowledge, to keep them from presuming to act (on it). When there is this abstinence from action, good order is universal.

As is clear from the quotes, Taoism is often in conflict with Western ideologies as well as Confucian teachings.

Sources:

From "The Way of Perfect Emptiness": Quotes; Biography; Confucius Meets Lao Tzu

Laozi from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, entry written by Alan Chan.