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About this quote

What does it mean?
French society is torn between wanting privilege and wanting equality.
In plain terms
People want both special status and equal treatment.
What can you take from it?
Equality and privilege are conflicting desires.

Where it applies

  • cultural analysis
  • political discourse
  • social debate

Putting it to work

  • analyze class tensions
  • address inequality
  • debate meritocracy

Questions to consider

  • Do you seek privilege or equality?
  • How do societies resolve this conflict?

Another view

This tension is not unique to France alone.

More from Charles de Gaulle

  1. France was built with swords. The fleur-de-lis, symbol of national unity, is only the image of a spear with three pikes.

    Permalink to quote #20
  2. Nothing builds authority up like silence, splendor of the strong and shelter of the weak.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. Nothing great is done without great men, and they are great because they wanted it.

    Permalink to quote #19

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