Laozi, also known as Lao Tzu, was a Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism. His teachings revolve around the concept of Tao, meaning "the way" or "the path," which emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the universe. In his writings, Laozi also shared his views on government and rulers, which were quite different from the prevalent beliefs of his time.

Laozi believed that the best government is one that is not felt by its people. He advocated for a minimal and non-intrusive government that allows people to live their lives freely and in accordance with the natural order. He believed that a good ruler should be like a wise leader who guides his people without imposing strict rules and regulations. Laozi's philosophy on government can be summed up in his famous quote, "The more laws and order are made prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be."

According to Laozi, rulers should lead by example and follow the principles of Tao, which include humility, simplicity, and non-action. He believed that the best rulers are those who do not seek power or fame, but instead, focus on serving their people and promoting harmony. Laozi also emphasized the importance of being in tune with nature and the universe, as it is the key to achieving balance and harmony in society.

In contrast to the belief of the time that rulers should be powerful and dominant, Laozi believed that true strength lies in being flexible and adaptable, like water. He compared the role of a ruler to that of a river, which flows effortlessly and nourishes all living beings. Laozi believed that rulers should not try to control or dominate their people, but instead, flow with the natural course of events and allow things to unfold naturally.

Laozi's views on government and rulers have had a significant impact on Chinese society and continue to influence political and social thinking today. His teachings promote a more peaceful and harmonious approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of humility, simplicity, and non-action. Laozi's philosophy encourages rulers to be virtuous and lead by example, rather than imposing their will on others. It also highlights the importance of living in harmony with nature and the universe, as it is the key to achieving balance and prosperity in society.