On moral, religious and political universal truths

I asked my AI researcher to follow up on a podcast I heard about the moral philosophy of US founders. I know, that might seem odd, given their moral shortcomings, but, I want to know more about the ideals of my troubled homeland. It's easy to learn about our troubles.

It was also a test of AI research and how much we should trust it. I asked Deep AI and MS Copilot.

What struck me, that in the late 1700s, as translations of Eastern thought were finally reaching English readers, some saw universal truth. Added to that were travelogs exploring major societies, as well as Tahitians, Hurons and other traditional communities.

But let's look at one forefather and what he was reading.

 

In his writings, President John Adams made references to various non-Christian religions and philosophers.  

In a classic humble-brag, he claimed general ignorance to Jeffereson in 1813:

"... Of Moses, of Confucius, of Zoroaster, of Sanchoniathan, of Numa, of Mahomet, of the Druids, of the Hindoos &c &c &c I cannot as yet determine; because I am not sufficiently acquainted with those Systems or the History of their Effects to form a decisive opinion of the result of the Comparison." https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-06-02-0248

Three years later, Adams was more confident, if dismissive:

"I am no more Satisfied with French Philosophers, than with Pythagoras, Ocellus Timæus Plato, Aristotle, The Zenda Vesta the Shasta, Sanchoniathon, Zoroaster, or Confucius." https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-6661

But Adams often praised pre-Christian philosophies. He admired the Greeks: Pythagoras Cicero Logauta https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-03-02-3123

Adams, in an 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson, complained about a contemporary writer who praised Pythagoras that he needed to look deeper, to non-Western thought:

"Pythagoras passed twenty Years, in his Travels in India, in Egypt, in Chaldea, perhaps in Sodom and Gomorrah, Tyre and Sydon. He ought to have told Us that in India he conversed with the Brakmans and read the Shasta, 5000 years old, written in the Language of the Sacred Sanscrists with the elegance and Sentiments of Plato. Where is to be found Theology more orthodox or Phylosophy more profound than in the Introduction to the Shasta? “God is one, creator of all, Universal Sphere, without beginning, without End. Adams goes on citing ancient, per-Greek philosophy. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-07-02-0040

In an 1817 letter to a contemporary writer, François Adriaan Van der Kemp, Adams said "Plato learned all he taught in Egypt and India" https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-6807 

Adams sited other sources of wisdom:

"All sober enquiries after truth, ancient and modern, Pagan and Christian, have declared that the happiness of man, as well as his dignity consists in virtue. Confucius, Zoroaster, Socrates, Mahomet, not to mention authorities really sacred, have agreed in this."https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-04-02-0026-0004

AI invented a quote, but led me to find another letter to Thomas Jefferson, where I found:

“Where is to be found theology more orthodox, or phylosophy more profound, than in the introduction to the Shasta?” https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-6217

And more:

“We find that materialists and immaterialists existed in India and that they accused each other of atheism, before Berkly or Priestley, or Dupuis, or Plato, or Pythagoras were born. Indeed, Neuton himself, appears to have discovered nothing that was not known to the ancient Indians. He has only furnished more ample demonstrations of the doctrine they taught.” https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-6762

AI tried to convince me of some dubious references, but a quick check turned up nothing.

 

But when AI invented a citation from something called "The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: Religious Writings." That doesn't exist, but it wasn't far off from his thoughts in an 1808 letter to Benjamin Rush. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-5282:

Having named Voltaire I may now explain my long silence. For three or four months I have been in company with such great Personages as Moses, Zoroaster, Sanchoniathan, Confucius, Numa, Mahomet and others of that Rank. 

That's a good list for Adams in 1808: Moses, Zoroaster, Sanchoniathan, Confucius, Numa, Mahomet. I hadn't heard of Sanchoniathan the Berytian (Beirut), an ancient Phoenician sage, priest and writer. Or Numa, part of the legend of early Rome, a philosopher-king.

What about Voltaire? Some writers of the Enlightenment saw weaknesses in Western society and value in other cultures. Many wrote about Confucius and ordered Chinese society. https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/14194133

No one was more critical of his contemporary than Voltaire, and he agreed in 1764, including Confucius in sources of universal truth. He wrote:

By what fatality, shameful maybe for the Western peoples, is it necessary to go to the far Orient to find a wise man who is simple, unostentatious, free from imposture, who taught men to live happily six hundred years before our vulgar era, at a time when the whole of the North was ignorant of the usage of letters, and when the Greeks were barely beginning to distinguish themselves by their wisdom? This wise man is Confucius, who being legislator never[Pg 238] wanted to deceive men. What more beautiful rule of conduct has ever been given since him in the whole world?https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18569/pg18569-images.html#Philosopher

And

"Good and evil are often neighbors; our passions confound them; who shall enlighten and direct us? Ourselves, when we are calm and undisturbed. Whoever has written on the subject of human duties, in all countries throughout the world, has written well, because he wrote with reason. All have said the same thing; Socrates and Epictetus, Confucius and Cicero, Marcus Antoninus and Amurath II. had the same morality. We would repeat every day to the whole of the human race: Morality is uniform and invariable; it comes from God: dogmas are different; they come from ourselves." https://www.gutenberg.org/files/35627/35627-h/35627-h.htm#JUST_AND_UNJUST

Amurath II (Murad) 1404 - 1451 Sultan of the Ottoman Empire

--

MS Copilot

Certainly! Let's delve into President John Adams's perspectives on each of these philosophers and religions:

1. **Pythagoras**:
   - Adams acknowledged the influence of ancient philosophers like Pythagoras. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, he reflected on the moral doctrines of various thinkers, including Pythagoras. Adams admired the pursuit of virtue and wisdom by these ancient minds¹⁵.
   - Quote: "As all the ages of the world have not produced a greater statesman and philosopher united in the same character, his authority should have great weight."[^10^].

2. **Socrates**:
   - Socrates, the renowned Athenian philosopher, faced condemnation by the democratic system. Adams recognized this and revisited the attack on democracy in Plato's works. He understood that democracy could lead to instability and conflict, ultimately seeking a strong leader to protect the people⁴.
   - Quote: "It was a democracy that after all condemned Socrates to death."¹⁵.

3. **Plato**:
   - Adams admired Plato's views on balanced constitutions. He considered Plato's writings essential for understanding political thought. Plato's emphasis on natural law and ethics resonated with Adams, especially regarding the concept of inalienable rights⁹.
   - Quote: "The father of eloquence and philosophy."¹⁵.

4. **Cicero**:
   - Cicero, the Roman orator and constitutionalist, greatly influenced Adams. His eloquent defense of republicanism and opposition to tyranny resonated with Adams. Cicero's attitude towards natural law, grounded ethics, and inalienable rights left a lasting impact[^10^].
   - Quote: "All the ages of the world have not produced a greater statesman and philosopher united in the same character."¹³.

5. **Zoroaster**:
   - Adams recognized Zoroaster's belief in virtue and natural law. Zoroastrianism's influence on later European natural law theories intrigued him. Zoroaster's emphasis on moral standards and universal applicability aligned with Adams's vision of a just government⁵.
   - Quote: "Confucius, Zoroaster, Socrates, Mahomet, not to mention authorities really sacred, have agreed in this."¹⁵.

6. **Hinduism**:
   - Adams did not specifically address Hinduism, but he appreciated the pursuit of virtue across cultures. His focus on happiness and virtue as the end of government resonated with the principles found in various religious traditions, including Hinduism⁵.
   - Quote: N/A (Indirect reference).

7. **Judaism**:
   - Adams recognized the degraded state of Judaism before its reformation. He appreciated the moral doctrines of Jesus, who aimed to bring reason, justice, and philanthropy to the people. Adams emphasized the importance of virtue in any government¹⁵.
   - Quote: "To reform their moral doctrines to the Standard of reason, justice and Philanthropy and to inculcate the belief of a future State."¹⁵.

In summary, Adams engaged with diverse philosophical and religious perspectives, drawing inspiration from ancient thinkers and recognizing the significance of virtue, natural law, and happiness in shaping just governance..

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/14/2024
(1) John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 16 July 1813 - Founders Online. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-06-02-0248.
(2) Why the Founders' Favorite Philosopher Was Cicero. https://fee.org/articles/why-the-founders-favorite-philosopher-was-cicero/.
(3) The crisis of democracy: John Adams and Plato - The Korea Times. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2022/01/197_323072.html.
(4) “The publick Power should be divided into different parts”: On the .... https://www.masshist.org/beehiveblog/2022/08/the-publick-power-should-be-divided-into-different-parts-on-the-trail-of-john-adams-and-plato/.
(5) Founding Father - The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/entertainment/books/2002/06/23/founding-father/09480c8a-6ba7-4f03-a97c-a988d3080e02/.
(6) III. Thoughts on Government, April 1776 - Founders Online. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-04-02-0026-0004.
(7) John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1813 - Founders Online. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-07-02-0040.
(8) John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, February–3 March 1814 - Founders Online. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-07-02-0140.
(9) The Key to John Adams’ Political Principles. https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2017/08/key-john-adams-political-principles-timeless-john-paynter.html.
(10) Thoughts on Government | Teaching American History. https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/thoughts-on-government-2/.
(11) Zoroaster – forgotten prophet of the one God | John Palmer. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2010/jul/13/abrahamic-religion-zoroastrian-judaism.
(12) “The publick Power should be divided into different parts”: On the .... https://bing.com/search?q=Plato+John+Adams+opinion.
(13) John Adams, Cicero and the traditions of republicanism.. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/John+Adams%2c+Cicero+and+the+traditions+of+republicanism.-a0313708421.
(14) John Adams, Cicero and the Traditions of Republicanism. https://meridian.allenpress.com/michigan-academician/article/41/1/22/82470/John-Adams-Cicero-and-the-Traditions-of.
(15) Cicero: A Republic—If You Can Keep It - The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/conservatism/commentary/cicero-republic-if-you-can-keep-it.
(16) Republican Government: John Adams, Thoughts on Government. https://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch4s5.html.
(17) John Quincy Adams and the Ethics of America's National Interest - JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20097318.
(18) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/id/940279876/photo/greek-philosopher.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=ufQ_04dFHwlPzyZV9xdkRWxEt2ytLeeAGJTsrwcozKw=.
(19) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1408233962/vector/socrates-ancient-greek-philosopher.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=EiIFyKUGiBHRGajU1ceJLz7MoQy03J5TJCZ4MVUGKRU=.
(20) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/id/905612290/vector/plato.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=x8xLrV5BxdpD8EGuDv-yzxKoV437NOVVdMvA2ZG8WI4=.
(21) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/id/515454448/photo/zoroaster-founder-of-the-religion-of-iranian-people-reconstruction-by-d-f-karaka-recognized-by.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=5UH4w5GkVVxPHPLatNga3QimRKMjbisHZL5lOtgYhKc=.
(22) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/hindu-god-statue-lord-shiva-sculpture-sitting-in-meditation-india-picture-id655235152?b=1&k=6&m=655235152&s=612x612&w=0&h=I4_LSiM4HtYEIszRzereCTRC_W63dQw1paiHuaWvySc=.
(23) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/six-pointed-metal-star-symbol-on-top-of-paper-picture-id91891513?b=1&k=6&m=91891513&s=612x612&w=0&h=EJSwHs9PjOfRgXaEbYJ9lOeYS1HsAWK2zFDv94ABBmo=.

Certainly! President John Adams, the second president of the United States, expressed a profound respect for Hinduism and engaged in the study of comparative theology. Let's explore his views on Hinduism, particularly regarding the "Shastas" and the broader context of Eastern philosophy:

1. **The Shastas (Hindu Scriptures)**:
   - In a letter to Thomas Jefferson on Christmas day in 1813, Adams noted similarities between Hinduism and Christianity. He specifically praised the **Shastras** (which he spelled as "Shastas"), emphasizing their profound philosophy. Adams admired the idea that one should adore the divine power, wisdom, and goodness manifested in the works of creation. He found this concept to be deeply philosophical and elegant, akin to the teachings of Plato¹.
   - Adams's admiration for the Shastras highlights his recognition of the spiritual depth within Hindu texts. Although we don't know precisely which Shastras he referred to, his appreciation underscores the universality of certain philosophical principles shared by different faiths.

2. **Joseph Priestley and Comparative Theology**:
   - Adams's exploration of Hinduism was sparked by his study of Joseph Priestley's writings. Priestley, a devout Christian and renowned chemist, delved into comparative theology, focusing on non-Abrahamic religions. His work aimed to demonstrate the superiority of Christianity over Hinduism.
   - Adams, however, disagreed with Priestley's assessment. While Priestley criticized Hinduism as having "tedious and ridiculous observances," Adams found value in the Shastras and their emphasis on divine adoration. He even suggested that missionaries should import and translate Sanskrit and Persian books to learn from them and overcome religious narrow-mindedness¹.
   - Adams's respect for Hindu thought and his willingness to engage with non-Abrahamic traditions demonstrate his open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity.

In summary, John Adams's positive view of Hinduism, particularly his appreciation for the Shastras, reflects his broader interest in comparative theology and the exploration of Eastern philosophical traditions².

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/14/2024
(1) John Adams’ View of Hinduism - Hinduism Today. https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/jul-aug-sept-2021/john-adams-view-of-hinduism/.
(2) Adams, Emerson, Thoreau: How Hinduism influenced some of America's .... https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/adams-emerson-thoreau-how-hinduism-influenced-some-of-americas-greatest-thinkers.
(3) Shasta (deity) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shasta_%28deity%29.

 

 

 Certainly! President John Adams, a key figure in the American founding, engaged with Confucian ideas and recognized their impact on the formation of American culture. Let's explore Adams's opinions on Confucius and his moral philosophy:

1. **Confucius and Virtuous Perfection**:
   - In the years preceding the American founding, several prominent Americans, including **Benjamin Franklin**, disseminated Confucian ideas. Franklin likely encountered Confucian texts during his stay in London between 1724 and 1726. Partially influenced by Confucius, Franklin focused on the cultivation of **personal virtue** as early as 1726.
   - Confucius designed a path for **virtuous perfection**, emphasizing progression from self-improvement to family, state, and ultimately the entire empire. Franklin introduced this notion to the colonists by publishing excerpts from **The Morals of Confucius** in his *Pennsylvania Gazette* in 1737. The idea was to rectify and polish reason and character, both individually and collectively¹.

2. **Confucian Influence on American Culture**:
   - The sculpture of Confucius, along with Moses and Solon, adorns the east entrance of the **Supreme Court building** in the United States. This sculpture serves as an indicator of Confucius's impact on American culture.
   - Several of the **founding fathers** sought guidance from Confucian philosophy in their efforts to cultivate personal virtue and educate younger generations. They recognized the importance of Confucian principles in shaping character and promoting social harmony.
   - Benjamin Rush, another influential figure, expressed his veneration for Confucianism, stating that he would rather see the opinions of Confucius "inculcated upon our youth" than witness them growing up devoid of a system of religious principles¹.

3. **Confucius and the Attributes of the Deity**:
   - John Adams, in a letter to **Thomas Jefferson**, expressed his admiration for Confucianism. He believed that Confucius's teachings revealed the attributes of the Deity. Adams recognized the wisdom and moral guidance embedded in Confucian thought.
   - While Adams did not delve into Confucian philosophy extensively, his acknowledgment of its virtues underscores the broader influence of Eastern thought on the American intellectual landscape⁵.

In summary, John Adams appreciated Confucius's emphasis on virtue, personal improvement, and the well-being of society. Confucian ideas resonated with the American founders as they sought to build a just and harmonious nation based on moral principles¹⁵..

Source: Conversation with Bing, 2/14/2024
(1) The US Founders and China: The Origins of Chinese Cultural Influence on .... https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/the-us-founders-and-china-the-origins-of-chinese-cultural-influence-on-the-united-states/.
(2) Republican Government: John Adams, Thoughts on Government. https://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/v1ch4s5.html.
(3) Bridging Cultures: Adam Smith and Confucius | Adam Smith Works. https://www.adamsmithworks.org/documents/tan-bridging-cultures-smith-confucius.
(4) Great Minds Think Alike: Adam Smith & Confucius on Morality. https://www.adamsmithworks.org/speakings/tan-smith-confucius-morality.
(5) undefined. http://tiny.cc/qq8ng.
(6) Portraits of Confucius : the reception of Confucianism from 1560 to .... https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/14194133.
(7) The Confucian and Jeffersonian Ideals in the United States. https://www.chinausfocus.com/society-culture/the-confucian-and-jeffersonian-ideals-in-the-united-states.
(8) III. Thoughts on Government, April 1776 - Founders Online. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-04-02-0026-0004.
(9) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/confucius-or-kung-futse-an-ethicist-in-china-who-taught-before-christ-picture-id51036631?b=1&k=6&m=51036631&s=612x612&w=0&h=AbXLPpoI2vLmOCJ3Q7J8k7kWP-GjgockQwdRjY3IYk8=.
(10) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/freestanding-grey-stone-statue-of-confucius-outside-temple-picture-id153829355?b=1&k=6&m=153829355&s=612x612&w=0&h=dcR_hxkYCZ-hYkko9zcoNWmIAsRC9OoEhfR8dlT0dFQ=.

 

To conclude, moral and political theory often merged in Enlightenment thought. I started investigating  the well documented path of John Adams. I was surprised to see a strong through line of interest in non-Christian, non-Western beliefs. This open-minded approach from 200 years ago shames today's entrenched thinking. It inspires me to do more reading and learning.

This exercise also exposed me to using AI for research. The lesson is don't trust, always verify. Actually, that's a good policy even when reading published work of humans. Not only to check the citations, but to read competing sources.