The Jesuit Reading of Confucius: The First Complete Translation of the Lunyu (1687) Published in the West by Thierry Meynard, S.J. (review)

Abstract

In the year 1687 the book Confucius Sinarum philosophus sive... appeared in Paris, published by Philippe Couplet during his stay in Europe. This book contains translations (or better paraphrases) of three (Daxue, Zhong Yong, and Lunyu) of the Sishu, the so-called “Four Books” that constituted the basics for the annual examinations of the Confucian scholars in China. The Latin translations were the fruit of the efforts of several Jesuits in China starting from the pioneers Michele Ruggieri and Matteo Ricci at the end of the sixteenth century up to Inácio da Costa and Prospero Intorcetta until Couplet himself. The purpose of these translations was twofold: the earlier versions served as lectures for newly arrived Jesuits in China to provide them with the necessary vocabulary and ideas for dialogues with Chinese scholars. Later the further purpose was added to create images of the Chinese culture and the Jesuit China mission in Europe.