At just 14, Misha Tadd stumbled upon the "Tao Te Ching" while researching for a school project in a small-town library in the U.S. This wasn't just any book. Instead, it stood out with its large calligraphy and compelling aesthetics, sparking an immediate attraction.

What began as a chance encounter became a profound connection, as Misha found the ancient text resonating deeply with his experiences growing up in rural Massachusetts. This early fascination with Taoist philosophy would eventually shape his entire academic career.

Now an associate professor at Nankai University's College of Philosophy and director of the Global Laozegetics Research Center, Misha Tadd shares how this ancient wisdom continues to influence his life and work. Dive deeper into his journey in our series "East Encounters West: Talk to Sinologists."

Image designers: Jia Jieqiong, Liu Shaozhen, Zhang Tao

Video editor: Qi Jianqiang