Why chinese scholar do what British Library has do

[yang88]

Dear cecil,
Why the Chinese scholars who fled the country do what the British Library has done. British Library has made available the 1000 years old books and testaments available on internet by using the digital technology so millions of people are able to use it which was only available to researcher and scholars since they were trying to preserve the papers from disintegrating. Unlike the Chinese scholars who pass the books and knowledge to a single disciple as done 4000 years ago. What good is the knowledge if it cant be used for the benefit of mankind. And I think they need to update their views with changing world. Since we don't see people walking from one city or country to another instead of taking a plane as done thousands of years by our ancestors. Thanks.

[Cecil Lee]

Dear Anon,
In very early years before China had exchanges with the West, you will be surprised to learn that many missionaries had infact introduced and translated many of China's culture, history, classics especially works by Confucius.
For example, Matteo Ricci, who was an Italian missionary had infact translated several books into Latin in 1590s.
Since his time, many famous scholars and writers had taken much effort in translating Chinese works into English.
Such famous scholars include: Lin Yutang, James Legge who is an English writer.
Another famous transalter is Richard Wilhem, a German Scholar.
These scholars had infact translated several volumes of the famous Chinese Four Books and Five Classics.
Several Chinese Universites have also scholars who are constantly translating works into English. Some of them found James Legge's transalation (where some of words are `dead english' words) and try to elaborate further.
Many works have indeed being translated into English such as I-Ching or Book of Changes where Confucious said that if he had lived a further 50 more years, he would love to spent time reading/understanding it.
Other works such as The Ancient Art of War... had also been translated. Books such as the classic Book of History had also been translated...
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 1/22/01 12:43:00 PM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
Why the Chinese scholars who
fled the country do what the
British Library has done.
British Library has made
available the 1000 years old
books and testaments available
on internet by using the
digital technology so millions
of people are able to use it
which was only available to
researcher and scholars since
they were trying to preserve
the papers from
disintegrating. Unlike the
Chinese scholars who pass the
books and knowledge to a
single disciple as done 4000
years ago. What good is the
knowledge if it cant be used
for the benefit of mankind.
And I think they need to
update their views with
changing world. Since we don't
see people walking from one
city or country to another
instead of taking a plane as
done thousands of years by our
ancestors. Thanks.