Il linguaggio della saggezza fra cinese e latino: Prospero Intorcetta e La costante pratica del giusto mezzo

The article explores the subtle meaning of the text known as Zhongyong, its role in Chinese culture and the interpretation by the Jesuit Prospero Intorcetta (1626-1696). Intorcetta had studied the Four Books (sishu), and among them the Zhongyong under the guidance of Inácio Da Costa (1603-1666) at Jianchang (Jianxi province). The Jesuits particularly appreciated the Four Books for their human and social message. They considered their contents simple and profound, close to Christianity. The article analyses some passages from the Chum Yum 中庸 Medium Constantem tenendum del Sinarum Scientia Politico-Moralis, in the edition from the Biblioteca Vaticana (Rossiana 3482) studied and translated in italiano by Paolo Beonio Brocchieri; for the italian translation of t the Zhongyong, the text of reference is La costante pratica del giusto mezzo, ed. by T.Lippiello, Marsilio Editori, Venezia 2010.