July 18,2025
I am reading Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong: Why We Love France but Not the French by Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlaw. The authors are journalists from Canada, one French speaking and one English speaking. Nearly every page gives insights into the cultural and economic differences between France and the USA and Canada such as this one:
“The French believe in equality, but they don’t embrace the lowest common denominator.”
There is an important part of French cultural values around the idea of equality. The French are committed to the principle of equality, (Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite). The French form of equality emphasizes that everyone should be treated equally under the law, and that merit should determine access to opportunities, especially in education and public service. It doesn’t mean that everyone must be the same, or that society should be lowered to the simplest and least demanding “lowest common denominator”.
The French admire excellence, elitism in merit-based systems, and intellectualism. They often aspire upward, both culturally and intellectually. They support public systems such as schools and civil service that are designed to bring out the best in people, not to water things down for the sake of simplicity or inclusion at all costs.
For example, in the French school system, students are taught to admire great thinkers, master complex arguments, and write in structured, logical ways. The Baccalaureat exam is known for its difficulty, and it’s not designed for everyone to pass. It’s designed to identify who excels.
Sometimes in places with more populist or egalitarian tendencies the idea of equality tends to make things accessible to all, even if it means simplifying or diluting standards.
So, in essence, the French want equality of opportunity and equal respect under the law, but they don’t believe society should cater to the least demanding tastes or standards. Excellence and intellect are valued, and people are encouraged to rise to high expectations, not have those expectations lowered to meet everyone.
A good comparison example is French Education vs. U. S. Education.
In France, students in public high schools rigorously study philosophy in their final year. Every student must pass the philosophy portion of the Baccalaureat where they may be asked to write a formal essay on questions like:
Is Freedom compatible with equality? Or Can we ever truly know reality?
To the French, it is considered a democratic duty to engage with big ideas. The state assumes that all students are capable of thinking critically and writing structured arguments. The idea is to lift everyone through intellectual challenge, not lower the standards to make it easier.
Contrastingly, in the United Sates, standardized tests are often simplified to ensure pass rates to meet federal benchmarks. Philosophy, if offered at all, is usually an elective. Critical thinking is more often emphasized in honors or AP tracks, not assumed as a basic right or expectation for all students.
So the takeaway is this: The French believe in giving everyone the same high standard, not lowering the bar to ensure universal comfort. That’s what is meant by not embracing the “lowest common denominator”.
We can take this same comparison into many other areas of public life.
Politics: In France, political debates and public discourse involve complex language philosophical references, and high level rhetoric. Perhaps Sartre, Camus, or classical literature will be quoted. Latin phrases and references to Greek philosophy may be included. The assumption is that the public is capable of following, or rising, to the level of the discourse.
In contrast in the United States politicians often focus on sound bites, emotional appeal, and simplified messages to connect with the broadest possible audience. Complex vocabulary or abstract reasoning can be criticized as being elitist.
Media: In France, shows like “La Grande Librairie” regularly feature philosophers, authors, and historians in prime-time slots. The French media assumes the viewers have a certain level of literacy. French media challenges its audience and respects their ability to follow, and even expects them to stretch.
In contrast in the U.S. mainstream television often separates intellectual and cultural content into niche market such as PBS or NPR while popular media is geared toward entertainment and general appeal.
Fashion: In France, fashion is a form of cultural and individual expression, not something to be sacrificed to convenience. Even casual wear is curated with structured jackets, neat shoes, scarves, yet without overstatement. Dressing well is seen as respecting others and oneself, regardless of income or status. French style expects everyone to meet a minimum standard of effort and elegance.
In contrast in the U.S. there is more emphasis on comfort and inclusivity in fashion such as athleisure, oversized tee shirts, or Crocs. There’s more tolerance of dressing down and prioritizing comfort over style.
The French idea of equality is that everyone deserves the opportunity to rise, not the permission to settle.
Still Curious. Still Growing, Still Grateful.
by Janis @ Simple Raw and Natural
