Ken Liu – Laozi’s Dao De Jing

MOCA invites you to a thought-provoking conversation with award-winning author Ken Liu as he illustrates his new translation of Laozi’s Dao De Jing. Written around 400 BC, this foundational Chinese philosophical text resonates with themes of humility, resilience, and the search for harmony. Liu’s fresh interpretation offers more than just a translation; it provides a deeply personal journey through Laozi’s wisdom, addressing contemporary challenges with profound insight.

Liu, renowned for his speculative fiction and translations of contemporary Chinese science fiction (including the bestselling The Three-Body Problem), takes readers beyond traditional, authoritative annotations, offering instead an unapologetically subjective approach through a series of interstitial entries. His work encourages readers to embrace the constant change and flow of life, ultimately finding solace in the Dao. Moderated by Yifan Wu, MOCA’s Director of Programs, this event promises a captivating exploration of the timeless relevance of Laozi’s teachings and the art of translation.