Though the question of the universe’s origin is profoundly perplexing, over two thousand years ago, Laozi of the Spring and Autumn period provided insight in the Tao Te Ching: “All things under heaven arise from existence; existence arises from non-existence.”
Laozi further elaborated: “There is something formless yet complete, born before heaven and earth. Silent and boundless, it stands alone and unchanging, pervading all without exhaustion. It may be regarded as the mother of the world. I do not know its name, but I call it the Dao. If forced to name it, I call it the Great.”
He also stated: “The Dao begets One, One begets Two, Two begets Three, and Three begets all things.” “The Dao is the profound mystery of all things.”
Despite living in an era where science was underdeveloped, Laozi provided a remarkably reasonable explanation for the world’s origin. Though his perspective differs in detail from modern scientific theories, the fundamental idea aligns: the world originated from nothingness. His profound wisdom and keen insight are truly admirable.