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A Ming Dynasty handscroll, traditionally attributed to Li Gonglin, depicting the scene of ancient philosopher Laozi delivering the Tao De Jing, the primary text of Taoist thought that he authored. Freer Gallery of Art. Public Domain
Laozi, the founder of Taoism, had a childhood teacher named Chang Cong, who carefully taught him the complicated etiquette of the Zhou Dynasty. To young Laozi, however, the extraneous rules seemed to make life tiring and difficult for people.
By the time Laozi grew up, Chang Cong was very old. Laozi visited his teacher when he was very ill and on the brink of death.
