Imagine traveling to a whole new country that speaks a different language and has a unique culture! That’s exactly what happened to Ragnar, a young man from Iceland, when he visited China in 1975.
Who is Ragnar?
Ragnar Baldursson is a scholar and former diplomat from Iceland who fell in love with Chinese culture. Back then, China was just starting to open up to the world. Ragnar noticed that people led simple lives but were very happy and always smiling.
First Impressions
When Ragnar first arrived in Beijing, he felt a bit lost because everything was so different. But the warmth and friendliness of the people he met made him feel at home. He was inspired by their joy and the way they lived their lives.
Why China?
In the 1970s, many people around the world were curious about China. Ragnar was one of them. He believed that understanding different cultures was super important. So he decided to study in China to learn more about its amazing history and traditions.
Learning and Sharing
Ragnar spent time translating famous Chinese books like The Analects of Confucius and Tao Te Ching into his own language. He found that translating wasn’t just about words—it was about understanding how people think and see the world.
Challenges and Discoveries
He realized that even simple things, like describing the color of soil, could be different between cultures! This taught him that to truly share Chinese ideas with others, he needed to understand their history and philosophy.
The Beauty of Chinese Culture
Ragnar thinks that people around the world are interested in China because it has its own unique identity. It’s not trying to be like other countries, and that’s really cool! Even in Iceland, people loved reading the Chinese books he translated.
Connecting the World
Today, Ragnar believes that people who study and share Chinese culture are like bridges connecting different parts of the world. They help everyone understand each other better and live together peacefully.
Isn’t it inspiring how one person’s journey can bring the world a little closer together? 🌟
Reference(s):
The 1975 encounter: An Icelandic scholar's lifelong bond with China
cgtn.com
