Hanzi

During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a renowned philosopher and thinker named Li Er, styled Dan. Legend has it that he was born with white hair and a white beard, which is why people called him 'Laozi' (Old Master). It is also said that he was born under a plum tree (Li), and had exceptionally large ears (Er). In reality, 'Laozi' was an honorific title.

Laozi was dissatisfied with the contemporary situation and opposed the waves of innovation in society at that time, wishing to revert to earlier ways. He yearned for the distant primitive society, believing that material progress and cultural development corrupted people's simplicity and brought them suffering. Therefore, he longed for an ideal society of 'a small state with a sparse population.'

Laozi depicted his imagined 'small state with a sparse population' as follows: The country would be small, and its people few. Even if there were many tools, they would not be used. People would not risk their lives or migrate far. Even if there were carriages and boats, no one would ride them. Even if there were weapons and equipment, there would be no place to use them. People would return to the ancient method of knot-tying for records, eat heartily, dress comfortably, live in tranquility, and be content with their existing customs. Neighboring countries would be within sight, and the crowing of cocks and barking of dogs would be audible from each other, yet people would not interact with one another until old age and death.