In the realm of Chinese classical studies, few names carry as much weight as James Legge, yet his contributions to the understanding and dissemination of the I Ching (Yi Jing) in the West often go underappreciated. While Richard Wilhelm’s translation has become the most widely recognized version of the I Ching in the English-speaking world, it was Legge who laid the foundational work for Western scholarship on this ancient Chinese text. This article delves into the life, work, and lasting impact of James Legge, with a particular focus on his groundbreaking translation and interpretation of the I Ching.

Early Life and Education

James Legge was born on December 20, 1815, in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The son of a merchant, Legge showed remarkable intellectual prowess from a young age. His early education at Aberdeen Grammar School introduced him to the classical languages of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, setting the stage for his future as a linguist and translator.

In 1833, at the age of 18, Legge entered King’s College, Aberdeen, where he distinguished himself in classical studies. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship, allowing him to continue his education at Highbury Theological College in London. It was during this time that Legge first encountered Chinese studies, sparking a lifelong passion for the language and culture of China.

Missionary Work and Immersion in Chinese Culture

Legge’s journey to becoming a preeminent sinologist began with his appointment as a missionary by the London Missionary Society in 1839. Initially posted to Malacca (in present-day Malaysia), Legge took charge of the Anglo-Chinese College, an institution aimed at promoting cultural understanding between East and West. This position provided Legge with the perfect opportunity to deepen his knowledge of Chinese language, literature, and philosophy.

In 1843, following the First Opium War and the cession of Hong Kong to the British, Legge relocated to the newly established colony. He would spend the next thirty years in Hong Kong, immersing himself in Chinese culture and scholarship. During this time, Legge not only continued his missionary work but also embarked on his most ambitious scholarly projects, including his translations of the Chinese classics.

Legge’s Approach to Chinese Studies

Legge’s methodology was revolutionary for his time. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who viewed Chinese culture through a lens of Western superiority, Legge approached his studies with genuine respect and curiosity. He believed that to truly understand Chinese texts, one must engage deeply with Chinese scholars and their interpretations.

To this end, Legge collaborated closely with native Chinese scholars, most notably Wang Tao, who became not just his teacher but also a lifelong friend. This partnership allowed Legge to access a wealth of Chinese commentaries and interpretations that had been previously unavailable to Western scholars.

Contributions to I Ching Scholarship

Legge’s work on the I Ching, published in 1882 as part of his monumental “Sacred Books of China” series, represents a watershed moment in the Western study of this ancient text. His approach to translating and interpreting the I Ching was characterized by several key aspects:

1. Rigorous Scholarship

Legge approached the I Ching with the same academic rigor he applied to his other translations. He consulted numerous Chinese commentaries, spanning centuries of scholarship, to inform his understanding of the text. His translation includes extensive notes detailing the reasoning behind his interpretations and discussing alternative viewpoints.

2. Contextual Understanding

Recognizing the I Ching’s central place in Chinese thought, Legge endeavored to present the text within its broader cultural and philosophical context. His introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the I Ching’s history, its traditional uses in divination, and its influence on Chinese philosophy and culture.

3. Linguistic Precision

Legge’s background in classical languages allowed him to approach the archaic Chinese of the I Ching with a keen linguistic eye. He paid close attention to the etymologies of key terms and concepts, often providing detailed explanations of how he arrived at his English renderings.

4. Comparative Approach

One of Legge’s most significant contributions was his effort to bridge Eastern and Western thought. He frequently drew parallels between concepts in the I Ching and ideas from Western philosophy and religion. This approach helped make the often obscure ideas of the I Ching more accessible to Western readers.

5. Comprehensive Commentary

Legge’s translation is accompanied by extensive commentary, both his own and selections from traditional Chinese sources. This multilayered approach provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the text and its interpretative traditions.

The Structure of Legge’s I Ching Translation

Legge’s translation of the I Ching is structured in a way that reflects both the traditional Chinese arrangement of the text and his own scholarly approach:

1. Introduction: A lengthy preface discussing the history, structure, and significance of the I Ching.

2. The Text: A translation of the core text, including the names of the 64 hexagrams, their associated judgments, and the texts for the individual lines.

3. The Appendixes: Translations of the Ten Wings, traditional commentaries attributed to Confucius and his followers, which Legge saw as crucial for understanding the I Ching’s philosophical implications.

4. Notes and Commentary: Extensive footnotes and explanatory essays discussing linguistic issues, alternative interpretations, and connections to other aspects of Chinese thought.

Legacy and Impact

James Legge’s work on the I Ching, while perhaps less popular today than Wilhelm’s translation, has had a profound and lasting impact on the field of Chinese studies:

Academic Foundation

Legge’s translation set a new standard for academic rigor in the study of Chinese classics. His meticulous approach, extensive use of Chinese sources, and detailed explanations established a model for future scholars.

Cultural Bridge

By presenting the I Ching in a way that drew connections to Western thought without losing sight of its Chinese context, Legge helped make this complex text more accessible to Western audiences. This approach paved the way for the broader interest in the I Ching that would develop in the 20th century.

Ongoing Relevance

While newer translations have emerged, Legge’s work continues to be a valuable resource for scholars and serious students of the I Ching. His extensive notes and commentary provide insights into the text’s linguistic and philosophical complexities that remain relevant today.

Influence on Later Translations

Many subsequent translators of the I Ching, including Richard Wilhelm, were influenced by Legge’s work. Even when disagreeing with his interpretations, later scholars have had to engage with Legge’s pioneering efforts.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite his groundbreaking work, Legge’s approach to the I Ching has not been without its critics:

1. Missionary Bias: Some scholars have argued that Legge’s Christian background influenced his interpretation of Chinese concepts, potentially leading to misrepresentations.

2. Archaic Language: Legge’s Victorian prose style can be challenging for modern readers, sometimes obscuring the meaning he sought to convey.

3. Overemphasis on Rationality: Some critics argue that Legge’s approach was too rational and academic, missing some of the mystical or intuitive aspects of the I Ching.

Conclusion

James Legge’s translation of the I Ching represents a monumental achievement in the history of East-West cultural exchange. His combination of linguistic skill, scholarly rigor, and genuine respect for Chinese thought produced a work that continues to influence our understanding of this ancient text.

While his translation may not be the most popular version of the I Ching in use today, Legge’s contributions to the field are undeniable. His work opened up new avenues for understanding Chinese philosophy in the West and set standards for academic translation that continue to be relevant.

As we continue to explore the depths of the I Ching in the 21st century, we owe a debt of gratitude to pioneers like James Legge, whose dedication and insight laid the groundwork for all who followed. His life and work serve as a testament to the power of cross-cultural understanding and the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom.