Chef Dave
12-31-2007, 01:07 AM
I was researching Chinese proverbs for a novel based on 12th century China, when I came across the following quotation:
"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand."
This quote was allegedly made popular in the United States by Benjamin Franklin. Since Mr. Franklin had several friends who were Jesuit priests, it would be my best guess that he learned of this proverb either directly or indirectly from a Jesuit missionary.
By way of historical trivia, the first effort at establishing a mission in China was made in 1552 by Frances Xavier, a Spanish priest, who was later canonized. Saint Xavier never reached the Chinese mainland and died on the island of Shangchuan.
In 1582, an Italian priest named Matteo Ricci, arrived in China. He is credited with introducing western science, math, and astronomy to the Imperial Court. Chinese scholars in turn shared literature and philosophy with him. In time, the Jesuits became so influential that many of Father Ricci's colleagues became Imperial advisers in the Ming court of the Taichang Emperor.
Jealous of their status, Chinese officials discredited the Jesuits after the death of the Emperor. Jesuit missionary efforts were subsequently forced underground for the next two centuries.
"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand."
This quote was allegedly made popular in the United States by Benjamin Franklin. Since Mr. Franklin had several friends who were Jesuit priests, it would be my best guess that he learned of this proverb either directly or indirectly from a Jesuit missionary.
By way of historical trivia, the first effort at establishing a mission in China was made in 1552 by Frances Xavier, a Spanish priest, who was later canonized. Saint Xavier never reached the Chinese mainland and died on the island of Shangchuan.
In 1582, an Italian priest named Matteo Ricci, arrived in China. He is credited with introducing western science, math, and astronomy to the Imperial Court. Chinese scholars in turn shared literature and philosophy with him. In time, the Jesuits became so influential that many of Father Ricci's colleagues became Imperial advisers in the Ming court of the Taichang Emperor.
Jealous of their status, Chinese officials discredited the Jesuits after the death of the Emperor. Jesuit missionary efforts were subsequently forced underground for the next two centuries.