Liberty in France

We have often been told x that the French student is more independent than the American student. Is there a good reason for this observation ? Certainly, and I can explain it to you. However, you are mistaken when you express yourself thus. Foreigners could believe that you mean that students are different from the other Frenchmen.

You ought to say that all 2 Frenchmen are individualistic. Therefore, don't be astonished that the students are 3 independent. It is the characteristic of everybody in France, whether he be rich or poor, a 4 workman or the President of the Republic himself ; he believes himself to be as good as any one.

We French believe that when this love of independence has deep roots in a people, this people will always be free. Read our history and you will see that this love has always been dear to us at home and even in foreign countries. For example, we helped you during your War of Independence. We sent Lafayette to the United States. After the World War, Poland 2 needed help and we sent some of our soldiers there.

However, discipline fills us with 5 fear. Our soldiers hate this yoke. They are afraid of it even during a war. But when the danger is very great, we sacrifice our individualism. We form a union of our strength. When the invader is driven back or overcome, our soldiers take up again their habits of former times. They tear away the shackles of discipline. They no longer need them. The enemy is gone. Then let us talk; let us criticize.

The French schoolboy usually attends school as an 4 externe. Thus, he spends a great deal of his time at home. He hears his father express his opinion on the new laws. Likewise, his brother employs a frankness of expression which seems quite

1 Use on. 2 Also use the definite article. 3 Present subjunctive.

4 Omit. 5 See Grammar Review, Section 40, c% 3.

natural in France. The schoolboy accustoms himself to it quickly. He learns to judge and to criticize. Therefore, don't be astonished if he becomes a stubborn fault-finder. It must be expected.1