Synthesized answer
The provided passage states that the Tao-te Ching is traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu [1]. It also mentions that Lao Tzu is supposedly a contemporary of Confucius, whose life dates are given as 551-471 B.C. [1]. This attribution and the dating of Lao Tzu as a contemporary of Confucius are presented as traditional beliefs.
The passages do not provide further evidence beyond this traditional attribution to support the claims made about Lao Tzu or the Tao-te Ching.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
Title: The Classic of the Way and Virtue by Laozi Description: The most famous and influential Taoist text, the Tao-te Ching is traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu, supposedly a contemporary of Confucius (551-471 B.C). Categories: History Pages: 260 Snippet: The most famous and influential Taoist text, the Tao-te Ching is traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu, supposedly a contemporary of Confucius (551-471 B.C).