Film · 2011 · Documentary

Wisdom of Changes - Richard Wilhelm and the I Ching

The Chinese I Ching, the Book of Changes, is one of the oldest and most influential documents of mankind. It was the missionary Richard Wilhelm, who brought it to the West. The film tells his story and provides insight into ancient Chinese thought.

As a young missionary, Richard Wilhelm in 1899 to China, which was then exploited by the colonial powers. He lived there revolts against foreigners, the end of the imperial dynasties and the First World War. In these times of turbulent upheavals he was indefatigable in search of the deepest truth that helps people deal with change and able to shape their own lives. Richard Wilhelm baptized not only Chinese, but accomplished one of the largest translation services of the 20th century: Confucius, LAOTSE the most important texts of Daoism and especially the I CHING THE BOOK OF CHANGES. The book also served many readers in the West as inspiration. Wilhelm is still one of the most important mediators of Chinese culture in Europe.