Le Quy Don Honor
- PARIS (April 16, 2025) – UNESCO is considering a proposal to commemorate the 300th birthday of Lê Quý Đôn (Le Quy Don), a prominent 18th-century Vietnamese scholar.
- 2, 1726, in the Thăng Long Citadel (now part of Hanoi), Le Quy Don, also known by his pseudonyms Đoàn Hậu and Quế Đường, hailed from present-day Độc...
- Accounts suggest he could read and write by age 2, recite classic poems at 5, and compose poetry by 8.
UNESCO Considers Honoring Vietnamese Scholar Le Quy Don’s 300th Birthday
PARIS (April 16, 2025) – UNESCO is considering a proposal to commemorate the 300th birthday of Lê Quý Đôn (Le Quy Don), a prominent 18th-century Vietnamese scholar. the UNESCO General Conference is expected to vote on the matter in November 2025.
Le Quy Don: A Renaissance Man of Vietnam
Born Lê Danh Phương on Aug. 2, 1726, in the Thăng Long Citadel (now part of Hanoi), Le Quy Don, also known by his pseudonyms Đoàn Hậu and Quế Đường, hailed from present-day Độc Lập municipality, Hưng Hà district, Thái Bình province. His father, Lê Trọng Thứ (alias Trúc Anh), served as an official in the Lê-Trịnh dynasty for over 50 years and was known for his integrity, considerably influencing Le Quy Don’s life.
Le Quy Don displayed extraordinary talent from a young age. Accounts suggest he could read and write by age 2, recite classic poems at 5, and compose poetry by 8. by 14,he had reportedly mastered the five classics,history,and various other subjects,composing up to 10 pieces a day without drafts.
At 17, he excelled in the Hương exam at the Sơn Nam School, after which he officially changed his name to Le Quy Don. In 1752, at age 26, he achieved top marks in the Hội Nhâm Dần test, marking the beginning of his career as a civil servant.
A Legacy of Scholarly Works
Le Quy Don is often hailed as the most significant scholar in 18th-century vietnam, leaving behind approximately 50 books covering diverse fields such as ideology, sociology, history, politics, literature, and the arts. His notable works include:
- Works on philosophy: “Book of Document Interpretation,” “book of Changes,” “Short Treatise on the Spring and Autumn,” “Analysis of the Books of the Universe.”
- Historical texts: “Đại Việt Thông Sử” (Comprehensive History of Đại Việt), ”Kiến Văn Tiểu Lục” (miscellaneous Records of What I Have Seen and heard), “Bắc Sử Thông Lục,” “Lê Triều Công Thần Liệt Truyện.”
- Literary collections: “Toàn Việt Thi Lục,” “Hoàng Việt Văn Hải,” “Quế Đường Thi Tập,” “Quế Đường Văn Tập.”
- “Vân Đài Loại Ngữ”
In 1784, Le Quy Don fell ill and sought treatment in his maternal hometown of Duy Tiên. He died on June 2 of that year and was posthumously honored with the title of Minister of Public Works.
International Recognition
At an international conference in Thái Bình dedicated to Le Quy Don’s life and career, Dr. Nina V. Grigoreva, a professor from HSE University in St. Petersburg, Russia, highlighted his importance. grigoreva noted that Le Quy Don lived during the 18th century, a period known as the Age of Enlightenment, alongside figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot.
Professor Shimizu Masaaki from the University of Osaka, Japan, drew comparisons between Le Quy Don and Motoori Norinaga (1730–1801), a renowned Japanese linguist. Shimizu emphasized Le quy Don’s pioneering approach to Vietnamese language and writing.
UNESCO suggestion
The Vietnamese Institute for Cultural and Art Studies and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thái Bình Province compiled a dossier on Le Quy Don, proposing that UNESCO commemorate the 300th anniversary of his birth in 2026.
On April 10, 2025, UNESCO’s Executive Board, meeting in Paris, recommended that the General Conference approve the commemoration of Le Quy don’s birth anniversary, along with those of other distinguished figures worldwide.
The province of Thái Bình, in collaboration with the vietnamese Embassy in France, the Vietnamese delegation to UNESCO, and the vietnamese cultural Center in France, organized a conference in France to promote Le Quy Don’s legacy and Thái Bình’s culture and tourism. This event was part of ongoing efforts to secure UNESCO’s endorsement for the 300th-anniversary celebrations.
Le Quy Don: A Vietnamese Luminary – Exploring the Life, Legacy, and UNESCO Recognition
Welcome to a deep dive into the remarkable life of Le Quy Don, a pivotal figure in Vietnamese history and a true embodiment of the Renaissance spirit.This article will explore his life, his scholarly achievements, and the recent efforts to commemorate his 300th birth anniversary.
Who Was Le Quy Don?
Let’s start with the basics.
Q: Who was Le Quy Don?
A: Le Quy Don (Lê Quý Đôn,born Lê Danh Phương) was a highly influential Vietnamese scholar,writer,and official who lived in the 18th century (1726-1784). He is widely regarded as one of the most significant intellectuals of his time, making significant contributions to a vast array of fields.
Early Life and Influences
Understanding his origins provides valuable insight into his brilliance.
Q: Were and when was Le Quy Don born and what influenced his early life?
A: Le Quy Don was born on August 2, 1726, in the Thăng Long Citadel (present-day Hanoi). From a present-day Độc Lập municipality, Hưng Hà district, Thái Bình province. his father, Lê Trọng Thứ (alias Trúc Anh), served as an official in the Lê-Trịnh dynasty for over 50 years and was known for his integrity, considerably influencing Le Quy Don’s life.
A Prodigious Talent
Le Quy Don’s intellectual prowess was evident very early on.
Q: What were some of Le Quy Don’s remarkable intellectual achievements from his early childhood?
A: Le Quy Don showed exceptional talent from a very young age. Past accounts suggest he could read and write by the age of two, recite poems by five, and compose poetry by the age of eight. By age 14, he had mastered the five classics, history, and other subjects, and was composing up to ten pieces of writing a day—without drafts.
The Scholar’s Career and Achievements
His career was as impressive as his early promise.
Q: What marked the beginning of Le Quy Don’s career as a civil servant?
A: At just seventeen, he excelled in the Hương exam at the Sơn Nam School, after which he formally changed his name to Le Quy Don. In 1752, at age 26, he achieved top marks in the Hội Nhâm Dần test, and thus, marking the commencement of his career.
The Vast literary Legacy
Few figures have left such a rich intellectual legacy.
Q: What are some of Le Quy Don’s major works?
A: Le Quy Don left behind a vast collection of over 50 books, covering diverse fields. Here are some key examples, organized by category:
| Category | Notable Works |
|---|---|
| Ideology | “Book of Document Interpretation,” “book of Changes,” “Short Treatise on the Spring and Autumn,” “Analysis of the Books of the Universe.” |
| Historical Texts | “Đại Việt Thông Sử” (Extensive History of Đại Việt), “Kiến Văn Tiểu Lục” (miscellaneous Records of What I Have Seen and heard), “Bắc Sử Thông Lục,” “Lê Triều Công Thần Liệt Truyện.” |
| Literary Collections | “Toàn Việt Thi Lục,” “hoàng Việt Văn Hải,” “quế Đường Thi Tập,” “Quế Đường Văn Tập.” |
| Other | “Vân Đài loại Ngữ” |
International Recognition and Comparisons
Le Quy Don’s impact extended beyond Vietnam.
Q: How has Le quy Don been recognized internationally?
A: at an international conference in Thái Bình, scholars compared Le Quy Don to luminaries around the world. Dr.Nina V. Grigoreva of HSE University (St. Petersburg, Russia) noted that he lived during the Enlightenment period. Professor Shimizu Masaaki from the University of Osaka, Japan, drew parallels between Le Quy Don and Motoori Norinaga, the Japanese linguist. These acknowledgments highlight the global significance of his work.
UNESCO Recognition and Commemoration Efforts
Efforts are underway to honour his memory, and it’s making progress.
Q: What role does UNESCO play in recognizing his legacy?
A: The Vietnamese Institute for Cultural and Art Studies and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thái Bình Province have proposed that UNESCO commemorate Le Quy Don’s 300th birth anniversary in 2026. In April 2025, UNESCO’s Executive Board recommended the general Conference approve the commemoration.
Q: What actions are being taken to secure UNESCO’s endorsement?
A: The province of Thái Bình, together with the Vietnamese embassy in France, the Vietnamese delegation to UNESCO, and the Vietnamese Cultural Center in france, has organized a conference in France to promote Le Quy Don’s legacy and Thái Bình’s culture and tourism. These and other efforts are part of the ongoing process to officially recognize the 300th-anniversary celebrations.
Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of Le Quy Don
Le Quy Don was more than just a scholar; he was a true intellectual force who shaped the Vietnamese intellectual landscape. As UNESCO considers honoring his contributions,his legacy will inspire future generations.