The Tao Te Ching : Kessinger Publishing : 9781162710105 : 1162710101 : 10 Sep 2010 : The Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese philosophical text written by Lao-Tse, believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE. The book is a collection of 81 short chapters, each containing profound insights on the nature of existence, the universe, and the human experience. The Tao Te Ching is considered one of the most important works in Chinese philosophy and has influenced many other philosophical and religious traditions, including Taoism and Zen Buddhism. The central theme of the book is the Tao, which is often translated as ""the way"" or ""the path."" The Tao is an elusive concept that represents the natural order of the universe, the underlying principle that governs all things.The book explores the nature of the Tao and its relationship to the world and human beings. It emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the Tao and the natural world, as opposed to trying to control or dominate