Imagine uncovering a hidden Latin scroll of Laozi's classic! 📜 On Tuesday (Nov. 11, 2025) at Nankai University in Tianjin, scholars from the Chinese mainland and abroad gathered to celebrate the launch of a groundbreaking book: the earliest known Latin transcription of the Tao Te Ching.
Known as one of history’s most translated texts—with over 2,052 versions in 97 languages—the Tao Te Ching (or Daodejing) is the cornerstone of Taoist philosophy. For centuries, its wisdom has transcended borders 💫.
Titled "Liber Sinicus Táo Tě Kīm inscriptus, in Latinum idioma Versus: The First Translation of the Daodejing in Transcription," this volume was compiled by Misha Tadd, director of Nankai University’s Global Laozegetics Research Center, and classicist Zhang Xiaoyuan.
According to Tadd, Jesuit Figurists in the early 18th century produced this work to highlight parallels between ancient Chinese teachings and Western theology and philosophy. Until now, it existed only as an unpublished manuscript—its rich insights nearly forgotten 🤯.
This release not only fills a gap in global Laozi studies but also connects us to a shared heritage of cross-cultural dialogue and intellectual curiosity. Ready to dive into centuries-old wisdom? 🌏
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
