“After bread, education is the first need of the people.” Words from the French Revolutionary, Georges Danton (on his statue outside the Odéon metro station). Another great quote by Danton (on the other side of the statue): “Il nous faut de l’audace, et encore de l’audace, et toujours de l’audace“—”We need audacity, and yet more audacity, and always audacity!”
If there's anything the French lack is audacity. They are a play it safe people (at least that's what I see in the music business here.)
As a teacher (and a French teacher at that!) I think Danton is my new héro!