The Jesuits, a Roman Catholic religious order, believed that their efforts to spread Christianity in China would only be successful if they could demonstrate the cultural superiority of Europe to Chinese intellectuals. This perspective was rooted in the belief that convincing the educated elite would lead to broader acceptance and understanding within society at large.
On a deeper level, this quote highlights the complex relationship between cultural exchange and religious missions during the colonial era. The Jesuits recognized that for their message to resonate with an already established intellectual tradition like China's, they needed more than just faith-based arguments; they had to present European culture as intellectually and scientifically advanced. This approach reveals a strategic understanding of how cultural and ideological dominance can facilitate religious conversion or acceptance. It also underscores the power dynamics at play during colonial interactions, where imposing one’s own cultural values was seen as essential for achieving certain objectives.
The quote is attributed to Hu Shih, a prominent Chinese intellectual and writer who lived from 1891 to 1962. He played a significant role in promoting vernacular literature and the New Culture Movement in China during the early twentieth century. Hu Shih was known for his philosophical views and contributions to modernizing Chinese thought by integrating Western ideas with traditional Chinese values, making him an influential figure in the intellectual history of both pre- and post-revolutionary China.
