Two classical works of Chinese traditional culture, "The Analects of Confucius" and "Tao Te Ching" have long held profound significance in shaping France's cultural and political evolution, according to a French sinologist.
These two works were introduced to Europe centuries ago and have made an indelible mark.
During the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France in 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to France. In this visit, French President Emmanuel Macron presented the original French version of "An Introduction to The Analects of Confucius" published in 1688, to President Xi as a national gift.
Macron told Xi that the early translations of "The Analects of Confucius" had inspired French thinkers Montesquieu and Voltaire. Hearing Macron's introduction to the book, Xi said that he would take this precious gift back to the National Library of China (NLC).
The French media recognized the symbolic importance of this artifact, considering it a catalyst for the beginning of Sinology in Europe.
Following the meeting between the two leaders, the book was subsequently shipped back to China, the place of its intellectual origin. As the first complete foreign manuscript from the Age of Enlightenment collected by the NLC, it is now well-curated in a constant temperature and humidity depot.
This precious gift highlighted the cultural exchanges between the two countries during the 17th and 18th centuries, creating a solid foundation for present-day bilateral relations.
Speaking in a new current affairs talk program produced by China Media Group on Monday, Benoit Vermander, a French sinologist who works as a Professor of Philosophy at China's Fudan University, elaborated on the important role of these Chinese classics in French culture and history.
"Indeed, French people also like reading 'The Analects of Confucius', and it held great significance [in influencing France] during the 18th century, as we learned from it the importance of the imperial examination system (or Keju in Chinese). In French culture, following the French Revolution, we fully utilized a similar imperial examination system to select officials. Therefore, we are using the Chinese way, the Confucian way to reform our political system. Furthermore, when we read the 'Tao Te Ching', we can experience a sense of self-liberation. Hence, besides 'The Analects of Confucius', the French also hold a special appreciation for the 'Tao Te Ching'," said Vermander.
The imperial examination system inspired Louis XV to create the first recruitment competitions, gradually replacing the aristocracy in Louis XIV's France. The tradition of meritocracy still prevails in contemporary France, said Remi Mathieu, another renowned French sinologist.
The Analects of Confucius is a collection of his famous sayings reflecting his political views, moral principles and educational ideas. "How happy we are to have friends from afar" and "Do not do to others what you don't want to be done to you" are among his classic sayings.
Born near the present-day town of Qufu, Confucius (551-479 BC) founded a school of thought that influenced later generations and became known as Confucianism. He is believed to be the first person to set up private schools in China and enroll students from all walks of life.
Tao Te Ching was written by Lao-Tzu, also known as Laotz, an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer who is traditionally considered as the founder of Taoism.
French sinologist reveals enduring influence of Chinese classics on France
French sinologist reveals enduring influence of Chinese classics on France
