“The Other” and the enlightenment ——the impact of Chinese literature on French literature in the 18th century

The impact of Chinese literature on French literature in the 18th century is the main topic that has long been studied in the field of Chinese comparative literature. Most scholars tried through comparison to testify or expose the impact of Chinese literature and culture on French literature and culture for the purpose of carrying on Chinese civilization as to establish the place of Chinese literature in the world. But this “impact” is open to doubt, because the French scholars used Chinese literature and culture only as the tool of “the other” for their Enlightenment.