One thing we can learn (as Americans) from the French

Artwork: Lysander Colindres

I’ve been studying French for about eight years now. It’s a beautiful language tied to an even more beautiful culture. Throughout my time traveling to France and studying French culture, one thing has stood out to me. It’s not the fact that you can never find central AC, nor the fact that snails are a popular dish. It’s that, despite their generally harsh and realistic outlook on life, they also view living life in a drastically different (and more positive) light.

America is a great country. We have great opportunities, we have pride and freedom, we have diversity. I count myself lucky to have been born here. In my 20 years of living here, I’ve noticed that the American outlook on life is often driven by efficiency and success. Growing up, I imagined myself working extremely hard, pushing myself in every discipline I went into, and eventually being “successful.” But what was “being successful?”

 For Americans, what will automatically come to mind is a busy work life and a comfortable amount of money. However, the textbook definition of success is simply accomplishing something. This idea is, of course, not the cause of one person. America was built on the notion of fighting for something, working hard, and building capital. Economically speaking, this is great. But, I wonder why imagining success as simple happiness and emotional fulfillment was never on my mind when I imagined my future self as a kid - if I wasn’t efficient and “successful” in the capitalistic sense, I’d be doing something wrong. This has led me down far too many roads that weren’t for me as an adult.

“Profiter de la vie”

The French have a very simple saying: “profiter de la vie.” Profit from life. Put into context, if you are emotionally fulfilled in the things you do with your life, you’re successful. It has nothing to do with money or social standing and nothing to do with what progress you have to show for each day; living and being happy is their definition of success. This is what I wish I was told as a kid, and this is what I believe we as Americans could learn from.

Let’s look at some examples. We view food in America as fuel. It helps us perform and be efficient human beings. Healthy food is seen as “right,” especially if it can be put together quickly to fit into our busy schedules. Less nutritious food is seen as something to stay away from, as Americans believe it serves no purpose in our diets if it doesn’t give us energy to be productive and active.

While proper nutrition is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, the French often tend to prioritize other essential aspects of cuisine. Frequently, the French see food as an opportunity to connect with friends and family, as well as nourish the soul. While much of their diet is still relatively nutritious, foods seen as “unhealthy” have just as much of a place in their lives due to the benefits it has on their relationships and overall happiness. Cooking meals with family and long dinner parties are frequent, and less guilt surrounds the constant need to fuel your body in order to be the most productive you can be in the day.

The same applies to their professions. Emotional fulfillment takes on a bigger role than inventiveness or consistent output in many French workplaces. While we focus - as Americans - on building ourselves professionally and pushing ourselves to be the most productive versions of ourselves, the French prioritize paid time off, mid-day breaks, and emotional health in the workplace. Whatever makes you happy is seen as great success, while the American opinion stands strong in the belief that a busy work life and consistent productivity in the workplace is what brings success.

Pour nous, les Américains (For us, the Americans)

I love bringing up this idea of emotional fulfillment as a counter to our traditional notions of success in America. I often feel as though it’s taboo, as we haven’t been as exposed to the idea. Everyone has the right to choose their path in life - it's about who you are as a person. While many will find joy in a busy schedule and innovation, some will find it elsewhere, possibly not anywhere near the workplace. The important piece to note is that neither is the true definition of success. Put aside any ideas of “success” that don’t immediately bring you joy, and try to let go of any guilt surrounding what you believe you’re expected to do to be successful. Whatever you choose, profit from life and discover your own definition of success.