The Qing Dynasty Quiz

Louis XIV's Quest for Knowledge

• Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great, Louis the Grand Monarch, and Louis the Sun King, sought information about the ruling Qing dynasty in China in 1685.
• He was curious about the size of the Qing dynasty, the population of its capital, and what could be learned about music, culture, and astronomy.
• Louis sent members of France's order of royal mathematicians on a voyage to gather information that would satisfy his curiosity.
• The voyage spanned three continents and three oceans, lasting five years, four months, and two days.
• The mission faced numerous hardships and countless setbacks.
• The goal was to gather information to answer Louis's questions about the Qing dynasty.
• Louis XIV's quest for knowledge reflects the grand tradition of human curiosity and the pursuit of new information.
• Louis XIV is famous for his purported declaration "l'etat, c'est moi" (I am the state).
• Louis XIV was known for his absolute rule and divine right to rule as the direct representative of God on Earth.
• The voyage undertaken by the royal mathematicians was a significant endeavor to satisfy the King's curiosity.
• Louis XIV's pursuit of knowledge demonstrates the universal human drive to seek answers and expand understanding.
• The voyage undertaken by the royal mathematicians exemplifies the lengths to which people will go to satisfy their curiosity and learn new information.