Bienvenue!
I came out, some time ago, as a Francophile. I am pleased to see that noted chronicler of human achievement Charles Murray has joined the small, hardy (but well-fed) band of conservatives who appreciate France.
He describes the healthy sense of French self-regard as not unlike that of Americans. I can vouch for this. I was once speaking with a French acquaintance in a Paris bar who, in an effort to describe the fantastic quality of life is in his hometown, said: “Well, you know how much better the food and wine is in Paris than in America – it’s that much better again in the provinces”. Having spent a fair amount of time in America, Paris and the French provinces, I have to agree with his rank-ordering. This French self-regard, certainly in matters of day-to-day life, is well-justified. Paris really is the most beautiful large city in the world, and Aix-en-Provence the world’s most beautiful small city. You really can step into a falling-down shack on a small road in Burgundy and have the greatest simple meal of your life. The streets of Paris really are full of the best-dressed people on earth.
Mr. Murray, welcome to the cercle!
[Update]: Wow! (with many thanks to Alex Massie)
add me to the list. it seems that the rivalry is based in part on peculiar similarities….
— razib · Jun 2, 06:58 PM · #
The Frites Liberte´are really bon.
— cw · Jun 2, 08:22 PM · #
Hi Jim. I read that article and was so glad to see that Mr. Murray had reached the same conclusions I had. I’ve been trying to explain this stuff to Americans for years! I always said our love/hate thing with France seemed like sibling rivalry to me more than anything.
You might be interested in www.francophilia.com, the social network for francophiles. Stop by and say hi. I’m LaGoulue.
Hope to see you there.
Pamela
— Pamela · Jun 3, 08:52 AM · #
Do you count as a member of the band of conservatives who appreciate France if you’re French?
Actually I’m ambivalent. I like that conservatives can appreciate France as a little bit more than the home of Jacques Chirac and the 35-hour week. But it’s also much more than a country of good food and old monuments.
— PEG · Jun 3, 03:16 PM · #