Lao Zi, also Li Dan by name, lived in late Spring and Autumn Period. He was from the state of Chu. He was a knowledgeable person that even the great Confucius had once consulted (咨询) him on things that he couldn't understand as a young man. Lao Zi wrote the book Dao De Jing, the classic for Daoism.

　　"Dao" is the core (核心) of Lao Zi's philosophy. "Dao" in its original meaning, is a road that leads to all directions. Lao Zi gave a new meaning to it. By the word Dao, he means it is the basic element (元素，成分) or root that can give birth to all things, and at the same time, it is independent of all other things.

　　Lao Zi believed that things are established in their antithetical (对立的) relationship. We can see the positive (积极的) side of the things and at the same time, we should also see the negative (消极的) side of them. When the opposite side develops to the extreme, it will have to turn to the other side. When things reach their prime (鼎盛时期), they have to decline.

　　He also believed that quantity changes could lead to quality changes. For example, a small seed could grow into a tall tree. He encouraged people that continued efforts will eventually bring about success.

　　Lao Zi was against wars and over taxation (征税) from the ruling class. His Utopia (理想国) is: a small state with a small population. Everything would be so convenient that people could go about their life without the need for carriages and boats. People eat well and dress finely. Two states could be very near that each could hear the noise from the other side, but never in their life should they have the necessity of exchange with each other. There's not even the need for writings.

　　Lao Zi's philosophy later had a great influence on later philosophers.

　　5．Confucius had once consulted Lao Zi on things, which showed that Lao Zi ________．

　　A．was famous　　　　　　B．was hard­working

　　C．knew a lot D．liked to help others

　　6．Lao Zi thought "Dao" ________．

　　A．is the root of all things B．is the end of all things

　　C．only means a road D．means nothing

　　7．Which of the following can be the belief of Lao Zi?

　　A．When misfortune reaches the limit, good fortune is at hand.

　　B．A bad thing never dies.

　　C．A close mouth catches no flies.

　　D．Actions speak louder than words.

　　8．Which of the following ideas is Lao Zi for?

　　A．People dress well in a big country with a small population.

　　B．People dress well in a small country with a large population.

C．People dress well in a small country with a small population.