Abstract
French people often seem unnervingly cool and worldly, sometimes even aloof, especially to Britons and Americans. This is not surprising as they are great thinkers, and they value intelligence and eloquence. Philosophy is part of a French child's education. Logical thinking and a passion for ideas and abstract argument are inherent in the people. This can cause problems for visitors from more pragmatic cultures, such as Britain and the USA, who often claim that the French are difficult. This simplistic dismissal ignores the contribution that they have made to philosophy, literature, science and the arts over centuries. The French are rigorous debaters, and they enjoy exercising this skill. To work with French partners, travel with a well-prepared proposition, and think through the answers to all the awkward questions they could bring up.
