How Chinese philosophy influenced US founding fathers
Scholars have identified traces of Chinese philosophical thought in the writings of several U.S. founding fathers. Thomas Jefferson owned and referenced Confucian texts, while Benjamin Franklin praised Confucian virtues in his correspondence. The article argues that these influences helped shape early American ideas about governance and natural rights.
- ▪Thomas Jefferson possessed a copy of Confucius' Analects and cited its principles in his notes on liberty and education.
- ▪Benjamin Franklin expressed admiration for Confucian ethics in letters to European contacts, linking them to civic virtue.
- ▪Early American political pamphlets occasionally quoted Chinese philosophers to support arguments for balanced government.
- ▪The transmission of Chinese ideas occurred mainly through French and British translations that were available to American intellectuals.
- ▪Taoist concepts of harmony and natural order were referenced by some founders as philosophical support for the new republic.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at South China Morning Post.