Question

The well-known philosophers Confucious and Lao-Tze lived during the period of which dynasty?
a. Zhou dynasty
b. Shang dynasty
c. Han dynasty
d. Qin dynasty

Answer 1

Hint: Lao-Tze or Laozi is a Chinese philosopher known for finding the philosophical system of Taoism. Confucius is China’s most famous teacher, philosopher and political theorist. His ideas have greatly influenced the civilizations of China and other East Asian countries.

Complete answer: Laozi is best known as the author of Laozi which was later retitled to Tao-Te-Ching, translated as ‘The Way of Virtue’ or ‘The Classic of the Way and Virtue’. This work exemplifies his thoughts.
Confucius was traditionally considered as the paragon of the Chinese sages. His philosophy also known as Confucianism put great emphasis on personal and governmental morality, the correctness of social relationships, justice, sincerity and kindness.
Let us look at the given options.
Option a- Laozi was appointed to the office of the shi at the royal court of the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE). Confucius’ home was in Lu which was bound to the imperial court of the Zhou dynasty through history, culture, family ties and various other moral obligations. So, this is the correct answer.
Option b- Shang dynasty was the second dynasty of China which preceded the Zhou dynasty. The Shang ruled from 1600 BC to 1046 BC. They did not have the presence of any such famous leaders like Lao-Tze and Confucius. This is the wrong answer.
Option c- Han dynasty was from 202 BC to 220 CE. The value of the book Tao-Te-Ching written by Lao-Tze was recognized during the Han dynasty. Laozi had become a mythical figure in this time and was also occasionally worshipped. Therefore, both of them didn’t exist in person in this dynasty and it is an incorrect answer.
Option d- The Qin dynasty lasted from 221 BC to 206 BC. It succeeded the Zhou dynasty. The leaders Lao-Tze and Confucius did not live during this period but their works were quite famous and they were highly regarded. It is an incorrect option.
Hence, option ‘a’ is correct.

Note: After knowing the civil status of Laozi, historians have said that there was a questionable meeting of the old Daoist with the younger Confucius. It has been said that Laozi had blamed Confucius for his pride and ambition while Confucius was so impressed with Laozi that he compared him with a dragon that rises to the sky and rides on the winds and clouds.