Birth of Laozi
Laozi, the traditional founder of Taoism, was born.
Laozi, believed to have lived during the 6th century BCE, is traditionally regarded as the author of the Tao Te Ching and the founder of Taoism. His philosophy emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), simplicity, and naturalness. Taoism became a major spiritual and philosophical tradition in China.
More in Religion & Philosophy
Birth of Mahavira
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, was born, becoming a central figure in Indian spiritual tradition.
~563 BCEBirth of Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama, who would become the Buddha, was born in Lumbini, founding one of the world's great religions.
551 BCEBirth of Confucius
Confucius, one of China’s greatest philosophers, was born.
~495 BCEBirth of Zeno of Elea
Zeno of Elea was born, later devising famous paradoxes that challenged understanding of motion, space, and infinity.