During the Spring and Autumn Period, Laozi gathered the great wisdom of ancient sages and sages. Summarized the essence of ancient Taoist thought and formed a complete theoretical system of Taoism, which marked the formal formation of Taoist thought. It has a profound influence on China's philosophy, literature, science and technology, art, music, medical care and religion.
Needham said: "Many of the most attractive factors in China's personality come from Taoist thought. Without Taoist thought, China is like a tree, with deep roots and luxuriant leaves, rotting away. " "Taoist thought is the foundation of China's science and technology" and "(Taoist philosophy) is crucial in the history of science in China"
Taoist philosophy is called the cornerstone of China culture, and it has been reflected in different degrees through Confucianism and Buddhism after China.
Taoism takes Tao as the foundation of the world, follows the weak as the Tao, and advocates inaction politically. Because of the different understanding of Tao and inaction, they are divided into different factions, and the ideological centers of each faction are also different, either leaning towards governing the country or governing the body. There are 37 schools and 993 articles. Each school is different and has its own unique style and characteristics.