[NB: This OP is written in English in an attempt to reach a wider audience. This does not detract from the main subject, since English has over half of its vocabulary originating from Latin via French. One might consider English to be a an adoptive daughter language of French; genetically German but raised and educated by French]
France is the TRVE western European country par excellence. Out of the primordial western European sludge, a hexagonal -shaped nation has crystallised out, a glorious synthesis of everything that is good about its neighbours.
To be truly french, you must (among other things of course) have AT LEAST three of the following genetic ethnogeographic lineages: celtic, alpine, w. mediterranean, iberian, latin, gaulish, germanic, frankish, jewish.
French culture is abrahamo-latin, and french people are peak humanity: this is because in almost every domain relevant to human culture, France is represented among the top. Architecture, sports, science, cuisine, art, literature, music, mathematics, warfare, navigation, engineering, diplomacy... these have all been influenced to the highest degree by humans of French origin and nationality.
The french are an adept and strategic people: in the (very few) instances where defeat was inevitable, they rightfully assessed that humanity could not afford to lose France and surrendered to better preserve their culture and come back later. But above all, France is a fantastic team player, fostering innovation and cultural enrichment through inter-connection with its junior European neighbours (Italy, Switzerland, Benelux, Germany, UK and Spain). As a beacon of liberty and highest example, it has led these nations to greatness themselves.
Change my mind. I am ready to provide examples for each of the disciplines mentioned in this post.
