French Collective Green Ethics: The Last Spark of Life in a Dead Society?
12:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006
University Java in Spiva Library
Admission: Pick up free lunch ticket in
Webster 337C at least 24 hours in advance

Presenter: Dr. John Knapp, professor of geophysics

While many Americans might argue that France has become an insignificant player in global politics — making its seat on the United Nations Security Council an anachronism and often troublesome — France stands as a beacon of global moral values, arising from a mature social culture that the United States has yet to achieve. In many respects, the French, creators of the metric system, have allowed their culture to be standardized to scientific precision, stifling both the creativity and chaos more characteristic of American society. Unlike the United States, which still searches for it own set of global ethics and order, the French have settled in and have become comfortable with themselves. They have an admirable set of collective values. The French have not bought into the Wal-Mart economic model of more work for less wages and benefits; they have opted for quality of life. This is evident in a shorter work week, more vacation time, universal health care, low crime rates, extensive high-quality public transportation, energy self-sufficiency, high-quality fruits and vegetables, and fantastic wine and cheese. The French have achieved more from less, and while their culture may not be socially sustainable in the long run, we have much to learn from them in the meantime.