In a French book from 1902 I found the statement below, which, in my opinion, in admirable simplicity represents the key to the centuries of controversies between France and England – this mixture of envy, jealousy, pride and frustration, which still permeates that volatile relationship …
The author makes this statement in an endeavour to analyse the essential differences of character that sets the population of England apart from that of France.
Eilif
Utilité des sports ‑
C’est a leurs habitudes sportives, habitudes qui ont pour résultat la régularité de la vie, 1’endurcissement du corps, la santé générale et l’esprit de décision et d’à-propos que nos voisins les Anglais, si critiquables a d’autres points de vue, doivent cet admirable esprit d’endurance, de ténacité et d’entreprise, qui fait toute leur supériorité comme peuple industriel et commerçant, sous toutes les latitudes du globe. C’est donc une idée patriotique qui inspire chez nous les promoteurs de tous les sports et il est du devoir de chacun de contribuer au développement de ce gout en France.
in my translation :
Usefulness of sports:
It is to their sporting habits, habits that result in regularity of life, hardening of the body, health in general, decisiveness and quick-wittedness, that our cousins the English, so criticisable from other points of view, owe their admirable spirit of endurance and tenacity in enterprise that makes them superior as a people of industry and commerce in all parts of the globe. It is, therefore, a patriotic idea that inspires us, as promoters of all kinds of sports, and it is the duty of everyone to contribute to the development of these tastes in France.
- The quote is from the book « Les Cerfs-Volants » (The Kites) by J. Lecornu, Ingénieur des Arts et Manufactures, Membre de la Société Française de Navigation Aérienne
- Librairie Nony & Cie
- 63 Boulevard Saint Germain
- Paris, 1902