557. Benjamin Franklin Published Confucius' Work in 1737

Probably, Benjamin Franklin was the first founding father, who published Confucian work in 1737.  I will show my readers the picture of his publication of Confucius work below. His publication of Confucius work helped spread Confucian moral philosophy in North American colonies. It also laid foundation for the Confucius' fever among the main founders of the United States  in the eve of the American Revolution.

510. Benjamin Franklin and Chinese Statistics System

Only three years prior to the formal Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin, who had expressed his dissatisfaction with the British management of the colonies, worked to create an improved and more efficient management. In 1773, Benjamin Franklin expressed that he was deeply impressed by the effectiveness of the statistics system of the Chinese Imperial Court. He recorded in detail how local officials collected economic information and reported to the imperial court. From his letter to ThomasPercival, we know that Franklin learned that the Chinese provincial authority held accurate information on the population and the “Quantities of Provision produc’d.” The provincial authority then reported this information to China’s imperial court; in order that the imperial ministers “can thence foresee a Scarcity likely to happen in any Province, and from what Province it can best be supply’d in good time.” He then gave a detailed description of how the local officials had obtained farmers’ household information: “each House is furnish’d with a little Board to be hung without the Door during a certain time each Year, on which Board, is marked certain Words, against which the Inhabitant is to mark Number or Quantity.”

More discussion on the issue can be found from the article below: 

 

493. Dr. Dave Wang's Speech on the US Founders and China

On April 14, 2017 Dr. Dave Wang made a presentation on Chinese cultural influence on Benjamin Franklin. He told several dozens of audience who presented at the meeting:

"I wrote about Benjamin Franklin and Confucian moral philosophy, and that Franklin used the principles of Confucius to cultivate his virtue. In 2011, I published “The U.S. Founders and China: The Origin of Chinese Cultural Influence on the United States,” which includes a picture of the Supreme Court Building, and there is Confucius right there. When you go to the United States Supreme Court, if you go to the east gate, you can see Confucius right there.

Franklin published an essay on the morals of Confucius in 1737 in his Pennsylvania Gazette. He published several chapters of Confucius’ moral philosophy in 1737. In a 1747 letter to George Whitefield, a very well-known pastor, Franklin wrote, “Confucius was my example. I followed Confucius.” Twelve years later, Franklin published Confucius’ works.

In 1784, after the Revolution, some veterans hoped they could hand down their glories, their titles, to their descendants. They organized the Cincinnatus Society for this purpose. Franklin was not happy about the idea of handing down your title, your glory, to the next generation—that’s the inheritance system, or the aristocratic system of the Europeans, which was just what our Revolution opposed. What’s the meaning of the Revolution, if we restore the European aristocratic inheritance system? That’s totally wrong. We should adopt the Chinese merit system, and people with talents will be selected to serve the public."

481. Did Benjamin Franklin Like Everything from China?

Readers from reading of Dr. Dave Wang's paper, "Benjamin Franklin and China. ---A Survey of Benjamin Franklin's Efforts at Drawing Positive Elements from Chinese Civilization during the Formative Age," have learned that Franklin loved Chinese culture and learned much from it. He made good use of the culture in aiding his efforts to build a new society in North America. For example, he loved Confucian moral philosophy, Chinese technology, Chinese products, such as porcelain wares and silk. He also loved Chinese plants and had some of them transplanted in North America. However, if you make the conclusion that Franklin loved everything from China, you will be wrong. With this post, I would like to point out one thing that Franklin didn't like.

It was the bed bugs. In 1750 in his widely circulated Poor Richard's Almanack , Franklin told his readers, the Bed Bugs was first brought from China in East-India Goods. He showed his fellow colonists how to  destroy the bugs. He told them to prepare some boiling Water and "poured from a Teakettle into the Joints, &c. of the Bedstead, or squirted by a Syringe, where it cannot well be poured. The old Ones are scalded to Death, and the Nits spoilt, for a boil’d Egg never hatches. This done once a Fortnight, during the Summer, clears the House" 

Nowadays there are many kinds of chemicals available to kill the bugs. However, personally I endorse Franklin's method. It produces no side effects, no pollution to one's own houses and environment in general.

468. Benjamin Franklin: The First Publisher of Confucius Work

Confucius statues have been seen  probably all over the United States today. In addition to the Supreme Court building, one can find many Confucius statues in many places. There is a Confucius statue in a park, called Chinese Cultural Garden in Cleveland. The Cleveland Public Library invited me to deliver a lecture on Chinese cultural influence on North America several years ago. After my presentation, Carolyn, the librarian,  guided me to the Chinese Cultural Garden to visit the Statue of Confucius in the garden. However I didn't see the stature, for it was covered and was under repair. The City of Cleveland made it a big event when the repair was completed and Confucius statue was reinstalled in the Garden. One still can find the article of reporting the event. The event took place on October 3, 2014. More information regarding the event can be accessed through this article,  Confucius returns to his place in Cleveland's Chinese Cultural Garden.

However, I was attracted by the Statue of Benjamin Franklin on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania on July 29, 2016. The statue captures the historical moment when Franklin was reading his own weekly newspaper, Pennsylvania Gazette. My readers who are familiar with Dr. Dave Wang's work know that Franklin published some chapters of Confucius work in his widely welcomed newspaper in Pennsylvania and other colonies in North America in 1737. Below you can tell that I was trying to find out what Franklin was reading, chapters of Confucian moral philosophy or his own works enlightened by Confucius moral principles? I am sure that you will find the answer on your own as soon as you see the statue in person.

427. China Will Come to Benjamin Franklin's Home

Benjamin Franklin, one of the main founders of the United States, would be definitely happy reading the news that the Franklin Square will host the first ever Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival this spring, April 22-June 12, 2016, Historic Philadelphia, Inc. has announced. My readers probably have learned that Franklin expressed to his friend, "I would like to visit China if I were young."

Philadelphia was one of the centers that intellectuals of the thirteen colonies discussed about China and its cultures. It was in Philadelphia where Franklin published in his widely circulated weekly newspaper, some chapters of Confucius classics in 1737.

According to the news report, "Franklin Square will glow with more than 25 illuminated displays of giant flowers, a three-story pagoda, a Chinese dragon and more. In addition to the light installations, visitors will also enjoy performances, crafts by artists, a variety of food options, and still be able to play mini-golf and ride the carousel at the Square."

My two cents recommendation to the organizers is to make a giant Confucius Lantern. Ben, who throughout his life admired Confucian moral philosophy and promoted it in North America,  would be absolutely delighted seeing the lantern in his beloved hometown.  

422. Chinese Silk, Jamesetown and Benjamin Franklin

We have learned that Benjamin Franklin promoted the silk production in North America in the colonial ear. Until July 2015, we have no idea when the silk reached North America. According to the article, Unearthing Jamestown’s Leaders, and a Mystery, by Nicholas Fandos , in the New York Times, July 28, 2015, the silk came to North American soon after Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement was established in May 1607. Researchers found the remains of a silk sash over the chest of Captain West’s skeleton, likely indicating his military rank.

In the eve of theAmerican Revolution, Franklin realized the value of silk to a new American society. He visited Ezra Stiles’ home in Newport, Rhode Island in the spring of 1763, to discuss with him the latter’s experiment with raising silkworms. The minister’s 3,000 worms were just beginning to cocoon. Stiles was working hard to gather large amounts of mulberry leaves to feed the silkworms. In order to help Stiles’ experiment, Franklin, in December the same year, sent him some prints “copied from Chinese Pictures concerning the Produce of Silk.” Two years later, in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the silk industrial development in China, Franklin studied the history of silk in China.

411. Chinese President Xi, Secretary of State John Kerry, Benjamin Franklin and Confucius

I am sure that my readers and the readers of Dr. Dave Wang's research on Benjamin Franklin and Confucian moral philosophy have noticed the following remarks from the Secretary and the President on September 25, 2015;

John Kerry;

"Dr. Franklin – the reason I mention this is because Dr. Franklin was absolutely fascinated by the great scholar Confucius and by China generally, which he way back then called the wisest of nations.  As a scholar himself, Franklinlearned all he could about Chinese silkworm, cultivation, about ship design,candle-making, and home heating.  And one of his inventions, the Franklinstove, was actually based on Chinese ideas, which emphasizes that intellectual property was a hot issue way back then.  (Laughter.) 

President Xi; 

 "And Secretary Kerry just announced to us that this room is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States.  And Mr. Franklin had a close connection with China.  He has such great respect for Confucius – a Chinese philosopher, thinker, and founder of Confucianism – that he personally promoted Confucius moral philosophy among the American people. " 

Remarks
Ben Franklin RoomWashington, DC
September 25, 2015

Secretary Kerry Co-hosts a Lunch for Chinese President Xi Jinping Along With Vice President Joe Biden

396. DEFENDING THE AMERICAN COLONIES: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’S GREAT WALL, 1756-1776

       

During the American Colonial Era, Founding Father Benjamin Franklin borrowed many positive elements from Chinese civilization to spur the development of his fledging nation. For instance, Franklin attempted to spread Confucian moral philosophy as well as Chinese silktechnology among the colonies. However, it may come as a surprise that Franklin also drew inspiration from Chinese defensive strategy. 

Franklin turned to Chinese military strategy immediately following the beginning of the American Revolution, in which the thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. The newly-formed United States faced tremendous military pressure, for Great Britain had mobilized its considerable military to suppress the rebellion. The Founding Fathers were faced with the seemingly impossible task of protecting the nascent nation.

 

 During this time, Franklin suggested that the colonies build a great wall, similar to that of China. This was not the first time Franklin expressed his desire to model the colonies’ defensive strategy after the way the Chinese defended their territory. In fact, sixteen years before the start of the American Revolution, Franklin suggested before the British Parliament that the best means to protect the colonists’ interests was to construct a great wall like that of China.

394. Benjamin Franklin, Religion and Virtue

Readers of my blog have learned that Confucian moral philosophy helped Franklin shape his virtues. According to Dr.Dave Wang's research, we know that Franklin set up his goals to make him a better person after he read Confucius works in 1726. Franklin believed that his successes in life were because of his own efforts to cultivate his virtue.

In 1738, barely a year after Franklin published in his Pennsylvania Gazette, works of Confucius Moral philosophy, he told hisfather,   "I think vital religion has always suffered when orthodoxy is more regarded than virtue. The scriptures assure me that at the last day we shall not be examined on what we thought but what we did."  (Benjamin Franklin, letter to his father, 1738)

393. Benjamin Franklin and Chinese Food

It might be difficult to identify who was the first American that had experiences with Chinese food. However, the current record shows that Benjamin Franklin mentioned Chinese food. Franklin was the first American introduced Tofu to North America,  the well-known Chinese food. Tofu originated in China of the Han dynasty  over 2,000 years ago. It was introduced to North America about 245 years ago.

In a letter to John Bartram, dated January 11, 1770, Franklin said, "Father Navarrete's account of the universal use of a cheese made of them in China, which so excited my curiosity, that I caused enquiry to be made of Mr. [James] Flint, who lived many years there, in what manner the cheese was made, and I send you his answer. I have since learned that some runnings of salt (I suppose runnet) is put into water, when the meal is in it, to turn it to curds. [...] These ... are what the Tau-fu is made of.".

392. Philadelphia's First Confucius Institute

As a part of Temple University’s ongoing commitment to international education, the university is collaborating with China’s Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) to launch the Confucius Institute at Temple University. The center for the teaching of Chinese language and culture is the first of its kind in greater Philadelphia.

I have made it clear that probably it was that Benjamin Franklin created the first Confucius institute. Franklin named his group (institute )Junto. It was founded  in 1727 immediately after his returning from England. It is believe that Junto comes from a mistaken use of the Spanish noun “junta,” which means “a meeting.” This word derives from the Latin “iunct,” which means “to join.” 

Interestingly enough, Junto (君道) in Chinese is interpreted as the “Way of a Gentleman” or the “Path Leading to a Virtuous Person.” The Chinese meaning seems to best reflect Franklin's purpose of establishing the group. It shouldn't regarded as coincidence. It is well-know that one of the main goals of Junto was to cultivate more virtuous members for society. For more information on Junto, one can read Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, now available online. However, there is much  work to be done to prove that Junto, the name of the group was borrowed from Chinese. I hope we will better understand Junto with more study of Benjamin Franklin's efforts to cultivate his virtue by scholars worldwide.

390. Paul Krugman, Benjamin Franklin and Old-Time Economics

In his New York Times Op-Ed Article That Old-Time Economics, April 17, 2015, Paul Krugman pointed out,  "In recent years, however, innovative economic ideas, far from helping to provide a solution, have been part of the problem. We would have been far better off if we had stuck to that old-time macroeconomics, which is looking better than ever." I agree with his opinion. To learn from history is always a good way to solve today's issues.

Paul Krugman's opinion reminds me of the article, Benjamin Franklin and China by Dr. Dave Wang. In this article, Dr. Wang examined Franklin's study of Chinese economic theory.  According to Dr. Wang,  at some point between 1765 and 1774, Franklin studied Chinese economic theory. Franklin wrote the following to convey a pamphlet on economic theories by George Whatley, his friend; "It was an excellent saying of a certain Chinese Emperor, I wil, if possible, have no Idlesin my Dominions’ for if there be one Man idle, some other Man must suffer Cold andHunger. We take this Emperor’s Meaning to be, that the Labor due to the Public, by each Individual, not being perform’d by the Indolent, and necessary to furnish his Subsistence, must naturally fal to the share of others, who must thereby sufer.”

From Franklin's autobiography we learn that Franklin practiced the Chinese emperor’s theory at his home. In his own home he “kept no idle Servants”.  In October 1786, Franklin showed his position “against accumulation of debts as a practice adverse to the economy and cited the high interest in China as a salutary means of discouraging borrowing.” He stated that interest was 3 percent per month, for 10 months in China, or 30 per cent per ann., which promoted industry, kept down the price of land, & made freehold more common.”

From Dr. Dave Wang’s article we have learned that Franklin’s examination of Chinese economics was so broad that even by today’s standard his study was more extensive than certain so-called experts specializing in Chinese economics. Franklin tried to gather economic information from China as detailed as he could. He recorded in his notebook, a silversmith’s and his apprentice’s salary in a month, and a medical doctor’s income for his visit to his patients. Interestingly enough, Franklin even examined the “Fee paid on a Gift from the King.” His study of silk economy also gives readers a very deep impression. After examining the silk economy in China, Franklin pointed out the perspective for silk economy in Pennsylvania. "That Part of the Imperial Revenue in China paid in Silk, amounts to above 955,000Ib. Troy, and perhaps this is not the twentieth Part of the Produce of that Empire. One Million of Trees disposed into Mulberry Walks, in Pennsylvania, would in a few Years, enable a yearly Remittance to Great-Britain of a Million Sterling, and no Ways interfere with the other necessary Branches of Labour in the Community."

387. Benjamin Franklin and a Modern American Patriot

Mr. Stephan A. Schwartz (Distinguished Consulting Faculty, Saybrook University and Editor Schwartzreport.net ) is correct when he pointed out that  "No founder had as detailed a plan, or worked more diligently to create the kind of country he had in mind than Benjamin Franklin."

Franklin created many valuable things for the United States. They are well-known and I don't have to make a long list here. It is well-known that he was a founder of the first hospital and worked hard to find food plants from other parts of the world and had them transplanted in north America. However, more importantly, Franklin set up a moral example for Americans to follow. In his life time, he tirelessly advanced his own virtue and urged others to do the same. In order allow others to enjoy virtue principles of Confucius, he published some works of the great philosopher in 1737. More impressively, he claimed that Confucius was his example for moral purification.

On Franklin's drive to improve his virtue and Confucian moral philosophy, you can read Dr. Dave Wang' article, Benjamin Franklin and Chinese Civilization through this link.

386. Kites and Link to Chinese Cutlure

Mr. Adam Tamburin, who can be reached  at 615-726-5986 and on Twitter @tamburintweets, reported a very interesting story on April, 12, 2015. According to his article, Vanderbilt students use kites to offer link to Chinese culture, the Vanderbilt students who organized the kite-flying event said the playtime offered the children, who are of Chinese descent, a link to their native culture.

It is very interesting. Indeed, Kite served as the link between China and the colonial North America in 1752, fourteen years before the United States was founded. In June that year in Philadelphia,  Benjamin Franklin flied a kite with the help of his son, William. This was the famous Franklin's kite experiment. The experiment then became the legend of the United States.

Almost everyone knows it. However, not everyone knows that fact that Kite was invented in China.
From Dr. Dave Wang's research, readers have learned that Benjamin Franklin borrowed many technologies from China and used them to improve his own inventions.

376. Like Confucius Benjamin Franklin Would Live for Ages to Come

Seventeen years after Benjamin Franklin stated that Confucius was his example, Dr. Ezra Stiles (1717-1795) assured Franklin that he would live for ages to come. In the following I provide you with the quote from his letter to Benjamin Franklin dated February 26, 1766:

I have somtimes wished, after you had digested such of your Letters and other Writings as you would desire to accompany your Name through all american Ages, that I might be charged with the publication of them, prefixing them with the history of your Life. But this is an honor, to which among your numerous friends I can have no pretension. Confucius and his Posterity have been honored in China for Twenty Ages—the Electrical Philosopher, the American Inventor of the pointed Rods will live for Ages to come to live with him would please no one more than, my Dear Maecenas Your affectionate Friend and obedient Servant.

Ezra Stiles

Dr. Franklin London

Sent by Mr. Robt. Stevens Junior who saild March 9. 1766. on Board the ship America Capt. Osborn from Newport Rh. Isl. for Bristol in England, and Arrived at Bristol Apr. 17.

When Stiles wrote this letter he was  pastor of the Second Congregational Church in New Port, Rhode Island from 1755 until 1777. While in Newport, he also served as Librarian of the Redwood Library.

375. Confucius Institute and Benjamin Franklin's Junto

The Confucius Institutes, non-profit organization that promotes Chinese language and culture,  are all over the world today. People may wonder who started the first Confucius Institute in the world. No one is qualified to make the statement that he created the first Confucius institute but Benjamin Franklin, one of the great admirers of Confucius throughout the history.

Franklin founded his Confucius Institute, Junto, in 1727 after returning from England. Most scholars believe that Junto comes from a mistaken use of the Spanish noun “junta,” which means “a meeting.” This word derives from the Latin “iunct,” which means “to join.” However, I do not believe Franklin would commit such an error, since in his leisure moments, Franklin taught himself Spanish and Latin, as well as other languages.

Interestingly enough, Junto (君道) in Chinese means the “Way of a Gentleman” or the “Path Leading to a Virtuous Person.” This seems more accurately explain the purpose of the group. Franklin hoped to use his Junto as a means to cultivate more virtuous members for the society. For more information, one can read Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography, now available online.

Through Dr. Dave Wang's research, we have learned that Franklin avidly promoted Confucian moral philosophy among the colonists in the North American colonies. For instance, in 1737, Franklin published chapters from The Morals of Confucius in his widely circulated The Pennsylvania Gazette. A decade later, Franklin told George Whitefield that Confucian moral philosophy belonged to all human beings. It is evident that Franklin held Confucian philosophies in high regard. He regarded Confucius as his example. Since Franklin's statement is very significant I will quote in the following:

"I am glad to hear that you have frequent opportunities of preaching among the great. If you can gain them to a good and exemplary life, wonderful changes will follow in the manners of the lower ranks; for, ad Exemplum Regis, &c. On this principle Confucius, the famous eastern reformer, proceeded. When he saw his country sunk in vice, and wickedness of all kinds triumphant, he applied himself first to the grandees; and having by his doctrine won them to the cause of virtue, the commons followed in multitudes. The mode has a wonderful influence on mankind; and there are numbers that perhaps fear less the being in Hell, than out of the fashion! Our more western reformations began with the ignorant mob; and when numbers of them were gained, interest and party-views drew in the wise and great. Where both methods can be used, reformations are like to be more speedy. O that some method could be found to make them lasting! He that shall discover that, will, in my opinion, deserve more, ten thousand times, than the inventor of the longtitude." 

Finally, I should make it clear that Franklin's Junto aimed to improve its members' virtues following Confucian moral philosophy. In this point, Junto was different from contemporary Confucius institutes.  

348. Great Wall of China: Benjamin Franklin's Way to Defend the Fledgling United States

Twenty years later, Franklin raised the notion of the Great Wall again, this time in the Revolutionary War. In his correspondence to Chavelier de Kermorvan (1740-1817) Franklin recommended that a wall like the Great Wall of China should be erected in defending the newly independent nation. Having arrived in America early June 1776, Chevelier served in the Continental Army as an engineer, involved with fortifications at Billingsport, below Philadelphia on the Delaware River, and at Perth Amboy, opposite Staten Island. He apparently "made himself 'disagreeable ' to General Washington (1732-1799) and his army staff with his criticism of all military operations" during the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign, and was 'invited to leave' the headquarters of Washington's army. He went on to serve with Morgan's riflemen at Saratoga. However, he failed to attract the recognition that he believed was his due and returned to France in late 1778 or 1779.

Franklin’s recommendation reveals the fact that Franklin regarded the Great Wall of China to be valuable to safeguard the American Revolution. The history of Franklin’s efforts to build forts in frontier tells that Franklin’s recommendation was based on his personal experiences in the fighting fields. He had built a line of forts before he made the recommendation. Franklin’s recommendation demonstrates that Franklin used his knowledge of Chinese civilization to solve problems existing in North America’s colonies. Most importantly, Franklin’s recommendation has served as another example of how Franklin constantly and tirelessly used the positive elements from Chinese civilization to help his efforts to make North American colonies a flourishing society.

347. Benjamin Franklin Wished to Visit China

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was deeply impressed by China. Due to the lack of direct communication between China and North America in Benjamin Franklin era, Franklin was forced to make his extra efforts to collect information on China. When in Europe, Franklin tried every means to find books on China and read them. Although it is difficult to find out how many books on China Franklin read, we can tell from his determinnation to follow Confucius' moral teachings to cultivate his virture and from his great efforts to borrow Chinese technologies Franklin's reading list was very inclusive, including subjects such as literature, economic and natural sciences.

Unsatisfied with the books he read, he tried to approach people who had been to China in person. In order to obtain information on Chinese life and customs, he contacted the “sailors on the Packet who had previously made the trip to the China seas.” Later in his life, Franklin obtained “his knowledge of Chinese navigation from Captain Truxtun who in the following year himself made the voyage to China.” Franklin even tried to visit China personally, and told one of his friends, “If he were a young man he should like to go to China.”

327. Benjamin Franklin Published Chapters from the Morals of Confucius

It shouldn't be surprised us when we learn through reading of Franklin’s autobiography that Franklin gave “strict attention to each of the Virtues successfully.” In his Pennsylvania Gazette, Franklin quoted the following paragraph from the Morals of Confucius to guide himself and his readers;

He [Confucius-author] says we know the End to which must attain, it is necessary to determine, and incessantly to make towards the End, by walking in the Ways which lead thereunto, by daily confirming in his mind resolution fixt on for the attaining it, and by establishing it so well that nothing may in the least shake of it. When you have thus fixt your mind in this great Design, give up your self, adds he,to Meditation: Reason upon all things upon your self: Endeavour to have some clear Ideas thereof; Consider definitely what preventh it self to you. Pass, without prejudice, solid judgment thereon; Examine every thing, and weigh every thing with Care. After Examination and Reasonings you may easily arrive at the End where you must fix, at the End where you ought resolutely to stand, viz, at perfect conformity of all your Action, with what Reason suggests.