Why Laozi Represents the Highest Wisdom in the History of Chinese Thought

From the perspective of scientific philosophy, this paper argues for the central position of Laozi in the history of Chinese thought. By comparing the cosmology, ethics, and political philosophy of the various schools of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and by integrating insights from modern science and cosmology, this study proposes that Laozi created a unified system connecting cosmos–natural law–governance–mind. His theory of cosmic generation, his philosophy of non-action, and his ecological wisdom constitute the highest intellectual achievement of ancient China. Employing methods from philology, intellectual history, philosophy of science, and cosmology, this paper reveals the profound significance of Laozi’s thought for both Chinese and world civilization.