Character of the French Nation by a Gentleman in 1773
One “gentleman” (likely English) who resided many years in France did not have the most favorable view of the French. In 1733, he submitted his opinion of the French to an English magazine of arts, literature, and miscellaneous interests that began in 1732, lasted until 1785, resurfaced in the 1800s, and is still published today. The name of the magazine was the London Magazine, Or, Gentleman’s Monthly Intelligencer.
French couple in the eighteenth century. Author’s collection.
Here is his assessment verbatim:
The French in general are vain, trifling, changeable, and insincere:
Too vain to approve any but themselves:
Too trifling to think deeply or act nobly:
Too changeable to be capable of true esteem:
Incapable of true friendship, therefore insincere.
Their politeness is rude, because troublesome:
Good-nature — selfish.
Virtue — in theory.
Knowledge — borrowed.
Humanity and liberality — on their lips.
Courage — in their honour.
Magnificence — at court.
Strength — in their numbers.
Religion — cloistered.
Riches — in appearance.
Impartiality — not to be found.
Cleanliness — no where.
Learning — in a few. And
Dissipation — in all.
They are
Mischievous — as apes.
Cunning — as foxes.
False — as wolves. And
Cruel — as tygers.
As a nation,
Luxurious and effeminate.
Suspected by all, and
Confided in by none.
If Rich — you are adored.
Poor — despised.
Diffident — laughed at.
Sincere — deceived.
Friendly — imposed upon by them.
Their merits:
Ingenious, sober, social, chearful, and obliging.
References:
- The London Magazine, Or, Gentleman’s Monthly Intelligencer, Volume 42, 1773.
Let’s face it, the English and French had never liked each other much! It started with French conquering England in the 11th century and went downhill from there.
LOL. I know Louis XV was unhappy about the French and raised Louis XVI to not like England either (hence Louis XVI’s aid to America during the American Revolution).