Ep. 156 | Joseph Needham (Part 2)

Joseph Needham, a renowned scholar in Chinese science and technology, recounts his perilous travels during WWII and his dedication to fostering academic collaboration. He discusses the Needham Question, revealing why modern science stalled in China while thriving in Europe. The conversation highlights key exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations, including significant translations that shaped global knowledge. Needham shares insights into his ambitious project, the Gujin-Tushu encyclopedia, and reflects on his complex legacy in studying China’s scientific heritage.