The Great Encounter of China and the West, 1500–1800
The book "The Great Encounter of China and the West, 1500-1800" was written by History Professor D.E.Mungello. His work provides us many information and ideas of the intercultural exchanges and interactions between Ming, Manchu and the West, through the last two dynasties of China. This book also shows us the acceptance and rejection of cultures, Christianity, and Confucianism of Chinese and Europeans. The book was divided into five chapters: (1) Historical Overview, (2) Chinese Acceptance of Western Culture and Christianity, (3) Chinese Rejection of Western Culture and Christianity, (4) European Acceptance of Chinese Culture and Confucianism, and (5) European Rejection of Chinese Culture and Confucianism.
China, with its history of more than four thousand years, always has a great national spirit. In fact, if you travel to China even nowadays, it is not easy for you to find a person who can speak English fluently. Chinese people speak Chinese language all the time as it is their pride. During the period between 1500 and 1800, the Western economy was in a strong and sustainable development with many technological achievements. At that time, Chinese people adopted many aspects of European culture and religion, however, they did not absorb totally. Chinese people still respected and preserved their national characters. The first arrival of the Europeans was like a new fresh breath of air to the Chinese. They were interested in Western lifestyle and thoughts. They found out a mutual fascination for each other's culture and religion. They started to get along with and admire each other. However, the road to assimilation was very abrupt. The result was both China and Europe rejecting the other culture and religion.
Both cultures were so eager and attracted by the similarities of their moral teachings and philosophies. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was the founder of the Jesuit China mission, whose efforts were an inspiration to later Jesuits even though he was never
China, with its history of more than four thousand years, always has a great national spirit. In fact, if you travel to China even nowadays, it is not easy for you to find a person who can speak English fluently. Chinese people speak Chinese language all the time as it is their pride. During the period between 1500 and 1800, the Western economy was in a strong and sustainable development with many technological achievements. At that time, Chinese people adopted many aspects of European culture and religion, however, they did not absorb totally. Chinese people still respected and preserved their national characters. The first arrival of the Europeans was like a new fresh breath of air to the Chinese. They were interested in Western lifestyle and thoughts. They found out a mutual fascination for each other's culture and religion. They started to get along with and admire each other. However, the road to assimilation was very abrupt. The result was both China and Europe rejecting the other culture and religion.
Both cultures were so eager and attracted by the similarities of their moral teachings and philosophies. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was the founder of the Jesuit China mission, whose efforts were an inspiration to later Jesuits even though he was never