Thinking differently in Paris does not imply radical or in-depth questionings. Thinking differently simply implies appearing to be thinking differently. In Paris, this takes the form of having theories.
Parisians have an opinion about most things, thus making it clear they have a significant knowledge about most things in life.
Having theories takes this to the next level. Theories prove that not only does the Parisian have more information and knowledge than other people, but he also processed that information through his own personal filter. The superiority filter.
Parisians have theories about everything and everyone. They do though have a special liking for theories that revolve around politics. By politics, the Parisian intends two things: intestine battles for power, and politicians’ sex life.
Coming up with blunt media-ingested-type information is a sign of mental weakness in Paris. To come up with a good theory, the Parisian needs to connect facts that are usually not connected or bring new elements to the table. It is important to appear to be doing this in an intelligent manner. Theories are all about shedding a new light. Parisians create the light.
To introduce his theories, the Parisian will use three introductive clues: ‘j’ai ma théorie’ usually works for theories about people but show that the theory is not really a serious one; ‘j’ai une théorie’ shows others that some serious thinking has been put into it – others will listen, for their intellect has been turned on by this expression; the most Machiavellian Parisians will use theory after theory but never warning that these are theories. Other people, including Parisians, will be fooled and will inevitably reach the conclusion that this Parisian is extremely cultivé and intelligent.
It is important to realize that very few Parisians form their own theories. Most Parisians repeat theories they heard on TV, or from their really smart uncle. No actual credit is ever given to the actual source. The actual source is always the Parisian.
When a theory has become repeated so much that it stops being a catchy theory in Paris, Parisians usually start refraining from using it, for they do not want to come across as fake theory people. They shall nonetheless recycle these old theories when they go en province. For obviously, Parisians have a theory about provinciaux : they have no clue.
Useful tip: Use theories with parsimony, at the risk of appearing as an adept of conspiracy theories which is the a brutal form of disgrace in Paris.
Sound like a Parisian: « Moi j’ai une théorie : les gens qui portent des pantalons à pince… »
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Tags: politics · thought11 Comments
11 responses so far ↓
which ‘introductive clue’ category do you fall into? want to be prepared should we ever find ourselves talking theory
Kim… Hello!! Should we find ourselves talking whatever, you’ll have to take care of your own preparation: that’s my theory!!
Okay, it’s now official: my significant other, Porsche Guy, despite speaking not a word of French (except what I teach him, and I’ll leave that to your imagination!) is really Parisian! He has theories about EVERYTHING, and will expound upon them at great length at any time. Don’t ever bring up World War II with him, or politics, or car manufacturing, or …
Olivier, this blog is too wonderful! I got here from … well, I don’t remember exactly how I got here. But here I am.
I’m a New Yorker who has been visiting Paris regularly for years and years. Some of my best friends, etc. (But would I move to Paris? What, and lose my value on the market as a visiting francophone New Yorker? Where would that leave me? Without any dinner invitations, that’s where.)
Anyway, you have a fine ear for Parisian foibles. The combative dinner table conversations! It took me years to get used to them. And South America (my favorite)! And of course, theory.
I may have to go to the airport right now …
Hmmm, I might have to take a different stance. My boyfriend is French, and he doesn’t propose theories, he states “facts”…because obviously he is right.
Stephanie
I don’t think that has as much to do with being French as it does to being a male;-))
Autobiographical post…
ouch.
mark
have lived with the same one (male, that is) for 27 years so in regards to him specifically, i speak from experience. perhaps he is the only one that displays this odd tendency of always being right. don’t get me wrong, men are wonderful.
hilarious to read what they say behind our backs
Hi guys, sorry i have been away from the blog for a few days. Happy Holidays to each and everyone of you.
Pinklea… at the risk of disappointing you, Parisians cannot own Porsches.
Mark… thank you for your kindest comments. Gladyou like the site. I’ve also written a post about New York. Thought you might enjoy it… it does get you dinner invitations after all!
Stefanie… Gotta love it!!
Kim… no men bashing here ;-))
JN… busted!
Mark… yeah, let’s fight back!
Kim… I think it’s just your husband and Stefanie’s boyfriend. That’s it.
Him… yeah, probably best not to know most of the time!!