Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Mark Twain sarcastically remarks that France lacks seasons and morals, yet remains a fine country despite these flaws.
In plain terms
France has no winters, summers, or morals, but it's still good.
What can you take from it?
Even places with perceived shortcomings can have redeeming qualities.

Where it applies

  • travel
  • political commentary

Putting it to work

  • visit with open mind
  • avoid stereotypes

Questions to consider

  • How do stereotypes shape our view of countries?
  • What makes a place 'fine' despite flaws?

Another view

The statement mixes humor with broad generalizations.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

  1. The trade of critic, in literature, music, and the drama, is the most degraded of all trades.

    Permalink to quote #114
  2. God's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.

    Permalink to quote #116
  3. Of all the creatures that were made he [man] is the most detestable. Of the entire brood he is the only one - the solitary one - that possesses malice. That is…

    Permalink to quote #113

Related quotes

  1. France has neither winter nor summer nor morals. Apart from these drawbacks it is a fine country.

    Mark TwainMark Twain quote #115
  2. I had also got used to the idea that here [in the UK] you can make quips all the time and in America that can be very dangerous. I wrote about it in one of the…

    Bill BrysonBill Bryson quote #38
  3. I'd rather be in Las Vegas 104 degrees than New York 90 degrees, you know why? Legalized prostitution. In any weather that takes the edge off.

    Ray RomanoRay Romano quote #1