Taoism (also spelled Daoism) is a religion and a philosophy from ancient China that has influenced folk and national belief. Taoism has been connected to the philosopher Lao Tzu, who around 500 B.C.E. wrote the main book of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching.

Who developed Daoism?

The founding figure is Laozi, who flourished in the 6th century BCE but about whom little else is known. The Daodejing (“Classic of the Way to Power”), the earliest work of Daoist philosophy, is traditionally attributed to him but was probably composed after his death by many authors.

Who founded neo Confucianism?

The Song Dynasty philosopher Zhou Dunyi (1017–1073) is seen as the first true “pioneer” of neo-Confucianism, using Daoist metaphysics as a framework for his ethical philosophy.