Analysis of the influence of Matteo Ricci's Chinese works on Chinese scholars

Abstract

For nearly three decades in China, Matteo Ricci wrote many books in Chinese and worked with Chinese scholars for translating Western books into Chinese. These works were part of his missionary strategy of cultural accommodation, and created the conditions for his evangelical mission in China. In the mean time, the content, the style and the language of the books closely followed the psychology of the Chinese scholars of that time. He worte the books in accordance with the Chinese tastes and styles. This was appreciated by the Chinese academic circles. His books earned their friendship and respect .

Ricci's works are not only make Westerners understand China, but also make Chinese understand Europe. It can be said that they are the products of the encounter and interaction of Chinese cultures and Western cultures.

This text intends to present, as completely as possible, his works in Chinese, including his writings and translations, and is for reviewing his contributions of spreading of Christianity and European knowledge to China, as well as the profound influences brought into Chinese society.