Civilization

In the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) we come upon a gaggle of artists setting up for a show. They are busy with the mechanics of assembly, but willing to answer questions as they open crates and drive screws.

We raise our camera, and an older gentleman with strong resemblance to one of the principals points to the younger man and calls out with obvious pride, "L' artiste! L' artiste!"

In a city so rich in public places, whose leaders have (eventually) given back so much to the people they serve, in a culture that reveres its artists and philosophers and scientists as much as its generals, in a society that values human discourse as much as productivity, one better understands the word civilization.

Exposure to such a world at a formative age could change a life.