However, it's important to note that:
* Lao Tzu's existence is debated: There is no definitive proof of Lao Tzu's existence, and some scholars believe the text was compiled by later authors.
* Multiple versions exist: The "Tao Te Ching" has been translated and interpreted in many different ways, making it difficult to pinpoint a single author.
Despite these complexities, Lao Tzu remains the most common and widely accepted author of the "Tao Te Ching."