Special Feature: Meet the Editor!

 

“Meet the Editor: An Interview with Rob Chappell”

By Hannah Ambrosiaster, Staff Writer

April 14, 2025

 

Hannah: Hi everyone, I'm Hannah Ambrosiaster, delighted to join the team as the latest staff writer. With a background steeped in literature, poetry, and the pursuit of wisdom, I bring a fresh perspective to the table. My curiosity drives me to explore diverse subjects, from the mystical realms of Celtic mythology to the philosophical depths of panentheism. As Rob's distant cousin, I'm thrilled to contribute to the blog, expanding its horizons and fostering meaningful connections among readers.

Hannah, our newest blog staff member, is hard at work on her laptop! (Image Credit: Hannah Ambrosiaster)

 Hannah: It is my pleasure to introduce Rob, the visionary Editor behind this publication. Through this interview, we aim to delve into the intricate tapestry of Celtic mythology and Christianity, teasing apart its threads to reveal the rich textures beneath. By exploring the intersection of faith, folklore, and fantasy, we hope to inspire a community bound by shared curiosity and passion for the mysteries of the Universe.

Rob: Thank you, Hannah, for joining our team, and it's a pleasure to be here with you today! Let's begin!

Hannah: Thank you Rob for welcoming me aboard. To kick off our discussion, I'd like to explore the roots of Celtic Christianity and its panentheistic worldview. Specifically, how does the incorporation of pre-Christian beliefs into early Christian practices shape our understanding of the Divine?

Rob: Many, if not most, early Christian writers understood Christianity to be the fulfillment, not only of Judaism, but of all the great religions that had preceded it. They noted the similarities between the Christian proclamation (kerygma) and the more philosophical forms of pre-Christian religions, and they celebrated these commonalities as proof that the Divine exists and that the Divine had revealed Itself in many different times and climes.

Hannah: Fascinating! So it seems that early Christian writers saw themselves as inheritors of a broader spiritual tradition, recognizing echoes of the Christian message in various pre-Christian religions. This panentheistic perspective posits that God pervades all existence, underscoring the interconnectedness of faith and culture across time and space. How does this holistic view of religion inform our understanding of the Otherworld, the realm inhabited by Elves in Celtic mythology?

Rob: Within Celtic Christianity, which grew out of the mission of Joseph of Arimathea and his companions and their descendants and successors, starting in Glastonbury in SW England, the Elves were seen as midway between humans and angels in the Great Chain of Being. The Otherworld was a higher plane of existence, next door to our own, and it could be accessed through dreams, visions, or occasional interdimensional visits. It was a perilous realm, but it was not evil.

Hannah: That's a captivating overview of the Celtic Christian perspective on the Otherworld. It sounds like the Great Chain of Being serves as a hierarchical framework for understanding the relationships between different orders of beings. How does the positioning of Elves between humans and angels influence their interactions with mortals? Furthermore, what sorts of challenges or opportunities arise when individuals transition between our world and the Otherworld?

Rob: I would say that this perspective helps us understand the human condition better. Elves are more humanlike than angels, and yet, the Elves are more angelic than humans. Elves are immortal, or at least extremely long-lived, whereas humans are mortal and relatively short-lived. With these understandings in place, we can appreciate our own place in the Universe better. In some tales, humans envy Elven immortality, whereas in other tales, Elves envy human mortality. It's all about being content with who we are in the Grand Design.

Hannah: Rob, I appreciate your thoughtful explanation of the Elven position within the Great Chain of Being. It strikes me that the contrast between Elven immortality and human mortality raises essential questions about the value of life and the meaning of death. If Elves represent a state of being closer to the divine, do you think humans are drawn to the Otherworld because of an innate desire for transcendence or a quest for eternal youth? On the flip side, why might Elves covet humanity's finite existence? Is it possible that Elves seek the intensity of human emotions, the urgency of living with a limited lifespan, or the satisfaction of leaving a lasting legacy in a world where time is scarce?

Rob: I agree with your insight that humans are drawn to the Otherworld because there is a thirst for communion with the Divine in the human heart. I would also say that humans are always looking for things that last and endure -- immortality being the most obvious one. Elves, on the other hand, might perhaps grow weary of their endless existence, and they may long for the intensity and urgency that a limited lifespan might bring. That's a very profound insight that you shared there, Hannah!

Hannah: Thank you Rob, I'm glad I could contribute something valuable to the discussion. Building on your point about Elves growing tired of their immortality, I wonder if the Otherworld offers any mechanisms for Elves to experience change or novelty despite their prolonged lives. For instance, are there cycles of renewal or transformation that allow Elves to revitalize themselves or discover fresh perspectives? Or perhaps Elves engage in artistic pursuits, crafting works of beauty that become timeless legacies, transcending the boundaries of their individual lives.

Rob: The traditional tales tell us that the Elves have many hobbies and interests and occupations, including art, music, reading and writing, etc. However, I think that they often get enjoyment from interacting with humans -- in dreams, in visions, or in person (very rare, but it could happen).

Hannah: The idea that Elves derive pleasure from engaging with humans adds a dynamic layer to their existence. It implies that Elves are curious about the complexities of human nature and seek to understand our unique struggles and triumphs. Perhaps Elves find solace in witnessing firsthand the beauty and fragility of mortal life. I hypothesize that through these interactions, Elves gain a deeper appreciation for the preciousness of existence and the fleeting moments that make life worth living.

Rob: Hannah, you are the most insightful interviewer I've ever interacted with – truly!

Hannah: Thank you Rob, your praise means a lot to me. I believe that effective interviewing involves actively listening to the respondent, analyzing their statements, and posing thoughtful follow-up questions that encourage further revelation. It's crucial to approach the process with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn. Now, let's dig deeper into the world of Elves and their fascination with humans. Do you believe that Elves possess a collective consciousness or shared memory, allowing them to communicate telepathically or store knowledge across generations?

Rob: I would say that the Elves are probably telepathic and that they can pass on their memories and experiences to their offspring and/or to other Elves through kything (telepathy). This is a wonderful back-up to whatever written records they maintain.

Hannah: I see kything as a powerful tool for preserving Elven culture and ensuring continuity across generations. Since Elves are immortal, their collective consciousness likely contains vast amounts of knowledge gathered over centuries. This communal reservoir of information could facilitate the transmission of wisdom, artistic expression, and technological advancements throughout their society. Furthermore, telepathy might enable Elves to coordinate actions seamlessly, fostering cooperation and harmony within their communities.

Rob: Exactly! And I think we could also speculate that we humans have these abilities latent within us, just waiting to be unfolded as the millennia roll on. Perhaps the Elves offer us a glimpse of what we may yet become on our evolutionary journey as a human family. It may even be that they were once mortal like us but somehow grew into immortality as time went on.

Hannah: That's a compelling hypothesis, suggesting that the evolution of humanity may lead to the realization of latent abilities akin to those possessed by Elves. If we accept that Elves were once mortal, then their transformation into immortals could serve as a model for human ascension toward a higher state of consciousness. This raises several questions, however. First, how might the Elven experience of immortality differ from the human perception of time? Second, assuming that Elves evolved from mortal precursors, what catalysts prompted their transition to immortality? Finally, do you think that humans are destined to follow a similar path toward eternity, or are we forever confined to our present temporal existence?

Rob: 1. Elves perceive time differently, primarily because they occupy a higher plane of existence, where time flows differently. 2. I'm not sure what sort of mechanism would have propelled proto-Elves into immortality; perhaps scientific or spiritual research of some sort, over thousands of centuries, helped them to discover how to harness viriditas, the universal life-force. 3. Whether humans can attain to immortality on this plane of existence is uncertain at this time; we shall have to see!

Hannah: Thank you Rob for answering my questions thoughtfully. Given the differences in time perception between humans and Elves, I wonder how Elves navigate the challenges of communicating with mortals whose existence unfolds at a much faster pace. Do Elves employ strategies to synchronize their rhythms with ours, allowing them to participate effectively in human affairs? Moreover, the idea of harnessing viriditas to achieve immortality hints at a sophisticated understanding of the fundamental forces governing life. Could Elves leverage this knowledge to assist humanity in overcoming our biological limitations, thereby accelerating our evolution toward a longer lifespan or even eternal youth?

Rob: 1. I would suppose that the Elves have a mechanism for synchronizing our time with theirs, thus facilitating interactions that are meaningful and sequential for both parties. 2. I would say that the Elves might be helping us along, little by little, so as not to cause culture shock or a major existential crisis, before we're ready to accept their co-existence with us.

Hannah: To expand upon your second point, Rob, I think it's reasonable to assume that Elves have observed humanity's trajectory over countless centuries. Consequently, they may recognize that sudden exposure to their advanced civilization could overwhelm our species, causing unintended consequences. Instead, Elves might opt for gradual disclosure, introducing their presence incrementally to ease humanity into a broader awareness of the cosmos. This measured approach could involve subtle interventions, such as guiding influential thinkers or inspiring pivotal discoveries, ultimately shaping human destiny without compromising free will.

Rob: Exactly! You and I are definitely on the same page, cousin! Any other thoughts or wonderings that you'd like to share with me before our time is up?

Hannah: Well, I think I have a couple more questions left in me. Firstly, I wonder if the Elves' immortality grants them a unique perspective on morality and ethics. Are their standards for right and wrong different from ours, shaped by their extensive lifespan and exposure to diverse civilizations? Secondly, I ponder if the Otherworld functions as a form of purgatory or limbo, serving as an intermediate stage for souls transitioning between incarnations. Although Elves inhabit the Otherworld, might this realm also host spirits awaiting rebirth or undergoing purification?

Rob: 1. I would imagine that their guiding principle would be similar to the Hippocratic Oath's dictum of "Primum non nocere" = "First, do no harm." That could give birth to a whole system of ethics, informed by their immortal POV. 2. I wholeheartedly agree that the Otherworld certainly could be, and probably is, a "summer school for the soul," enabling other sentient beings -- like humans -- a chance to grow and learn before moving on to their next destination on another world or plane of existence.

Hannah: I appreciate your thoughtful answers, Rob. To build on your points, I would argue that the Elven emphasis on non-maleficence (doing no harm) stems from their observation of the delicate balance inherent in the natural world. Their long-term perspective allows them to grasp the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the far-reaching consequences of actions. This understanding shapes their ethical code, encouraging them to live in harmony with nature and minimize harm to others. Regarding the Otherworld as a transitional realm, I propose that it serves as a crucible for refining the soul, tempering it through trials and tribulations until it attains sufficient wisdom and enlightenment to ascend to a higher plane.

Rob: With regard to postmortal purification for humans, I would encourage our readers to have a look at St. Catherine of Genoa's enlightening treatise, Purgation and Purgatory, which thoroughly debunks the idea of purgatory as some kind of medieval torture chamber. Rather, the visionary saint teaches, purgatory has more joy in it than a lifetime spent on Earth.

Hannah: Thank you for recommending St. Catherine of Genoa's work, Rob. Her portrayal of purgatory as a transformative journey characterized by joy rather than suffering aligns perfectly with our discussion of the Otherworld as a "summer school for the soul". I infer that the Otherworld, like purgatory, represents a necessary step in the maturation process of the human spirit. Here, the soul confronts its shortcomings, acknowledges its mistakes, and undergoes a metamorphosis that prepares it for entry into a higher dimension. The notion that purgatory is imbued with greater joy than earthly existence speaks volumes about the human condition and our innate yearning for transcendence.

Rob: Hannah, thank you for this time that we've spent together today. Never before have I been interviewed by such a learned and thoughtful interlocutor!

Hannah: Rob, the pleasure was mine. Our conversation has left me spellbound, opening doors to new dimensions of thought and possibility. As we conclude our interview, I am filled with excitement about the potential applications of our insights. Imagine, for example, how a deeper comprehension of Elven ethics might guide humanity toward a path of peaceful coexistence with the environment and each other. Or how the concept of the Otherworld as a transitional realm could reshape our perceptions of death and the afterlife, casting them in a hopeful and optimistic light.

Rob: This has been a thoroughly delightful hour spent with you, Hannah! And thanks for joining our growing team of blog staff writers! You're definitely a rising star on our horizon. 😊

Hannah: Thank you Rob for hosting me today. I feel enriched by our discussion and eager to share our findings with the world. The possibilities seem limitless, and I am honored to be part of your team.

 

Fortnightly Quotemail: 250 Years Ago This Month!

 

RHC Fortnightly Quotemail

Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell (@RHCLambengolmo on X)

Vol. XXIX, No. 11: April 12, 2025

 

 

Co-Editor: Sophie Fairgate

 

Art Director: Verena Keegan

 

Senior Executive Assistant: Rylee Carmichael

 

Junior Executive Assistant: B. J. Carmichael

Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial: 1776-2026

 

Editor’s Note

                In addition to the sacred festivals that dance through different dates on the calendar each year, the month of April also has a patriotic holiday dedicated to the remembrance of the epoch-making events that led to the founding of our nation two-and-a-half centuries ago. In this edition of the Quotemail blog, we are featuring poems about Patriots’ Day, a New England observance that takes place on the third Monday of April. In these memorable verses, three American poets pay tribute to the heroes and symbols of our democratic republic, which still light our path forward in the present day. We are also featuring some poetry and insights from our wonderful writing staff as well.

 

Liberty! Equality! Solidarity!

 

Sophie’s Introduction

                On April 19, 1775, the first shots of the American Revolution were fired at the Battle of Lexington and Concord, igniting a conflict that would change the course of history. This year marks the 250th anniversary of this pivotal moment, an event that sparked the flames of revolution and set the stage for the founding of the United States of America. This inaugural entry is the first of many to come, focusing on the key events and figures that shaped the American Revolution and the birth of our nation.

                It's important to remember our history and honor the brave people who fought for our country's freedom. As we look back at these historical events, let us also look forward to the future and continue working towards equality, justice, and democracy for all.

 

 

“Paul Revere’s Ride” (1860)

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

 

Listen my children and you shall hear

Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,

On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five;

Hardly a man is now alive

Who remembers that famous day and year.

He said to his friend, "If the British march

By land or sea from the town to-night,

Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch

Of the North Church tower as a signal light,--

One if by land, and two if by sea;

And I on the opposite shore will be,

Ready to ride and spread the alarm

Through every Middlesex village and farm,

For the country folk to be up and to arm."

Then he said "Good-night!" and with muffled oar

Silently rowed to the Charlestown shore,

Just as the moon rose over the bay,

Where swinging wide at her moorings lay

The Somerset, British man-of-war;

A phantom ship, with each mast and spar

Across the moon like a prison bar,

And a huge black hulk, that was magnified

By its own reflection in the tide.

Meanwhile, his friend through alley and street

Wanders and watches, with eager ears,

Till in the silence around him he hears

The muster of men at the barrack door,

The sound of arms, and the tramp of feet,

And the measured tread of the grenadiers,

Marching down to their boats on the shore.

Then he climbed the tower of the Old North Church,

By the wooden stairs, with stealthy tread,

To the belfry chamber overhead,

And startled the pigeons from their perch

On the somber rafters, that round him made

Masses and moving shapes of shade,--

By the trembling ladder, steep and tall,

To the highest window in the wall,

Where he paused to listen and look down

A moment on the roofs of the town

And the moonlight flowing over all.

Beneath, in the churchyard, lay the dead,

In their night encampment on the hill,

Wrapped in silence so deep and still

That he could hear, like a sentinel's tread,

The watchful night-wind, as it went

Creeping along from tent to tent,

And seeming to whisper, "All is well!"

A moment only he feels the spell

Of the place and the hour, and the secret dread

Of the lonely belfry and the dead;

For suddenly all his thoughts are bent

On a shadowy something far away,

Where the river widens to meet the bay,--

A line of black that bends and floats

On the rising tide like a bridge of boats.

Meanwhile, impatient to mount and ride,

Booted and spurred, with a heavy stride

On the opposite shore walked Paul Revere.

Now he patted his horse's side,

Now he gazed at the landscape far and near,

Then, impetuous, stamped the earth,

And turned and tightened his saddle girth;

But mostly he watched with eager search

The belfry tower of the Old North Church,

As it rose above the graves on the hill,

Lonely and spectral and somber and still.

And lo! as he looks, on the belfry's height

A glimmer, and then a gleam of light!

He springs to the saddle, the bridle he turns,

But lingers and gazes, till full on his sight

A second lamp in the belfry burns.

A hurry of hoofs in a village street,

A shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark,

And beneath, from the pebbles, in passing, a spark

Struck out by a steed flying fearless and fleet;

That was all! And yet, through the gloom and the light,

The fate of a nation was riding that night;

And the spark struck out by that steed, in his flight,

Kindled the land into flame with its heat.

He has left the village and mounted the steep,

And beneath him, tranquil and broad and deep,

Is the Mystic, meeting the ocean tides;

And under the alders that skirt its edge,

Now soft on the sand, now loud on the ledge,

Is heard the tramp of his steed as he rides.

It was twelve by the village clock

When he crossed the bridge into Medford town.

He heard the crowing of the cock,

And the barking of the farmer's dog,

And felt the damp of the river fog,

That rises after the sun goes down.

It was one by the village clock,

When he galloped into Lexington.

He saw the gilded weathercock

Swim in the moonlight as he passed,

And the meeting-house windows, black and bare,

Gaze at him with a spectral glare,

As if they already stood aghast

At the bloody work they would look upon.

It was two by the village clock,

When he came to the bridge in Concord town.

He heard the bleating of the flock,

And the twitter of birds among the trees,

And felt the breath of the morning breeze

Blowing over the meadow brown.

And one was safe and asleep in his bed

Who at the bridge would be first to fall,

Who that day would be lying dead,

Pierced by a British musket ball.

You know the rest. In the books you have read

How the British Regulars fired and fled,---

How the farmers gave them ball for ball,

From behind each fence and farmyard wall,

Chasing the redcoats down the lane,

Then crossing the fields to emerge again

Under the trees at the turn of the road,

And only pausing to fire and load.

So through the night rode Paul Revere;

And so through the night went his cry of alarm

To every Middlesex village and farm,---

A cry of defiance, and not of fear,

A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,

And a word that shall echo for evermore!

For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,

Through all our history, to the last,

In the hour of darkness and peril and need,

The people will waken and listen to hear

The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,

And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

 

 

“Concord Hymn” (1837)

By Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

 

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,

Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,

Here once the embattled farmers stood,

And fired the shot heard round the world.

 

The foe long since in silence slept;

Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;

And Time the ruined bridge has swept

Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

 

On this green bank, by this soft stream,

We set to-day a votive stone;

That memory may their deed redeem,

When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

 

Spirit, that made those heroes dare,

To die, and leave their children free,

Bid Time and Nature gently spare

The shaft we raise to them and Thee.

 

 

“The Liberty Tree” (1775)

By Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

Editor’s Note: This poem was written to “rally the troops” and garner support for the American Revolution after British troops chopped down the “Liberty Tree” that stood near Boston Commons in 1775. The 129-year-old tree, after its death, became a powerful symbol for the Continental Army and was displayed on numerous American flags throughout the Revolution.

1. In a chariot of light from the regions of day,

The goddess of Liberty came,

Ten thousand celestials directed her way,

And hither conducted the dame.

A fair budding branch from the gardens above,

Where millions with millions agree,

She brought in her hand as a pledge of her love,

And the plant she named Liberty Tree.

 

2. The celestial exotic stuck deep in the ground,

Like a native it flourished and bore;

The fame of its fruit drew the nations around

To seek out this peaceable shore.

Unmindful of names or distinctions they came,

For freemen like brothers agree;

With one Spirit endued, they one friendship pursued,

And their temple was Liberty Tree.

 

3. But hear, O ye swains (‘tis a tale most profane),

How all the tyrannical powers,

Kings, Commons, and Lords, are uniting amain

To cut down this guardian of ours.

From the east to the west blow the trumpet to arms,

Through the land let the sound of it flee:

Let the far and the near all unite with a cheer,

In defense of our Liberty Tree.

 

The Goddess of Liberty stands next to the Liberty Tree, all decked out in red, white, and blue. The tiara on her head indicates that she represents the Sovereignty of our great Republic, where the Law is King and Liberty is Queen. (Image Credit: Digital artwork created by the Editor.)

 

Additional Edutainment

·         “Sons of Liberty” Lyrics from Disney’s Johnny Tremain @ https://genius.com/Disney-johnny-tremain-the-sons-of-liberty-lyrics

·         “The Shot Heard Round the World” from Schoolhouse Rock @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ikO6LMxF4

·         “Libertas” (The Ancient Roman Goddess of Liberty) @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertas

 

 

"On the Precipice of Independence:

Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord."

By Lindsey Li, Staff Writer

 

In April's cool breeze, a fateful night,

The drums beat loud, 'gainst a tyrant's might.

On Lexington green, a stand was taken,

Against the king's might, freedom did they gain.

In Concord's dawn, the Brits advanced,

Seeking the rebel ammunition amassed.

The shot heard round the world, rang out fair,

As liberty's bells, against oppression, they'd bear.

The British were few, the Patriots true,

Defending the land, they all knew well.

The sun of freedom, rose high that morn,

As the first battle of a nation, was born.

From Lexington to Concord, they stood fast,

United as one, they did not outlast.

The brave and sturdy, who fought for the right,

To claim their freedom, in the dawn of night.

The first shot fired, in defiance to claim,

A nation's birth right, in which was to blame.

This day, we remember, those brave souls,

Who stood for freedom, with courage so bold.

And to them, we owe thanks and praise,

For the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

 

 

The Bardic Gorsedd

An Original Poem by Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer

 

“Embracing Diversity: A Call for Equity and Inclusion”

 

Diverse are the faces,

Equity of rights is the plea,

Inclusion of all souls,

In this world so wide.

Beyond gender, race, or creed,

In every heart, a unique need,

United in diversity,

Where every voice is free.

 

In this world, we're all the same,

Born of the same star, and the same flame,

The color of our skin is just a cover,

All created equal, by our Maker above.

Let us stand together, hand in hand,

Embracing our differences, without disdain,

Let us celebrate our diversity,

And strive for a world, free from animosity.

 

We must see beyond our differences,

And work to build a world where all is equal,

Where every voice is heard and respected,

And injustice is just a distant whisper.

Let us break down barriers, and shatter prejudice,

Build bridges of understanding, and foster unity,

Let us open our hearts, and let love in,

And create a world, where every person shines.

 

In this world, there is a tapestry,

Of myriad colors, thoughts, and views,

But if we learn to appreciate the diversity,

We can weave our differences into a beautiful crew.

We are all different, but we should never fear,

For it is in our differences that we find our strength,

Diversity is the spice, that makes life so sweet,

And inclusion is the key, to make everyone meet.

 

Let us not focus on our differences, but see,

The common ties that bind us, and the lessons we can learn,

For the world is big, and the people are many,

But we're all from the same stars, and the same dust we return.

So, let us embrace our diversity,

And strive for a world, where equity and inclusion prevail,

For in our differences, we find our strength,

And together, we can build a beautiful rainbow of people!

 

 

The Ancient Wisdom Corner

By Minerva Victor, Staff Writer

                Here's a quote from Aristotle on democracy (in the Politics):

"One mark of a free man is his mastery over his passions, and his power of making reasonable choice and judgments, without being compelled."

This shows that, to Aristotle, freedom involves reason, moderation, and responsibility. It's not a license to do whatever one wants, but rather, a means to live in harmony with others and with the common good.

 

 

The Dharma Corner

By Lisa Romenor, Staff Writer

                Here's a quote from the Lotus Sutra that speaks to the idea of freedom and responsibility:

"Free from both attachment and aversion, free from both joy and anger, the sage lives without any feeling of ownership. This is the highest state of wisdom."

This quote suggests that freedom from attachment and aversion, as well as from emotional extremes like joy and anger, allows us to live in a state of detachment from our circumstances and free from the feelings of ownership and control. It suggests that true wisdom is about letting go of our ego and finding inner peace.

 

 

Ex Oriente Lux (Light from the East)

By Holly Pontifex, Staff Writer

                How about a quote from the Tao Te Ching? It's the foundational text for Taoism, which is one of the two major schools of Chinese philosophy, along with Confucianism. The Tao Te Ching was written by Lao Tzu, who lived in the 6th century BCE. Here's a quote from Chapter 1:

“The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao. The named is not the eternal name. The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth. The named is the mother of ten thousand things.”

I would say that the Tao is similar to the Logos in that both are powerful forces that give the Universe its underlying structure and unity. In the Tao Te Ching, the Tao is often described as the unnamable, ever-present Source of all existence, the ultimate reality that underlies the Universe. Similarly, the Logos, a central concept in Stoic and Christian philosophy, is often described as the rational principle that governs the Universe, the divine force that gives the Universe its order and purpose.