SalB: Ms. Maier sounds like the French equivalent to Dilbert. I think a lot of folks in the US are also practicing the "disengagement" approach to work – either consciously or subconsciously. I tend to agree with most of her philosophy. One thing that continues to amaze me, however, is how high the standard of living is in France, England, Germany, etc. compared to ours. As jissou so aptly pointed out, they work to live while we live to work. Meanwhile their living standards are higher. I guess it reinforces just how much we pound down the Pentagon rat hole. BTW, if you want some depressing reading, go to http://www.oilpeak.com for a range of links on the oil supply problem. You might want to get that Harley, SalB, as it does get reasonably good gas mileage. Donerail
August 15, 2004 at 12:28 pm
SalB, I couldn’t read the article because you have to suscribe to read it. So what is it about ?
CRC
August 15, 2004 at 12:44 pm
crc95, Very (very) briefly, the author is saying the French work system is very elitist and that workers (who went to the wrong school’ hence, can’t possibly advance in their profession) should practice goofing off as a way of job-life. In other words, look busy but don’t do anything. She feels it’s the only way to beat the system.
It was supposed to be a very limited publication but after her employer accused her of doing what she espoused, it was picked up by the press and the book in now in its fourth reprint and becoming a best seller.
I might add that she is highly educated and very much underemployed and gives the impression that is not unusual in the French economy.
Subscribe to NY Times. It’s free. You can unsubscribe after you read the article.
August 15, 2004 at 12:49 pm
ok I’ll subsribe and read but if I get arrested under the Patriot Act I’ll tell them it’s you !!
CRC
August 15, 2004 at 8:45 pm
crc95: I will stand up for you if Asscroft comes after you. Donerail
August 16, 2004 at 1:50 am
Thanks ! I knew I could count on you. Will you come rescue me in the Harley ? Do you have a sidecar ? Should I start fantasize about some reenactment of the Dukes Of Hazzard ?
7 Comments On "Bonjour Paresse"
SalB: Ms. Maier sounds like the French equivalent to Dilbert. I think a lot of folks in the US are also practicing the "disengagement" approach to work – either consciously or subconsciously. I tend to agree with most of her philosophy. One thing that continues to amaze me, however, is how high the standard of living is in France, England, Germany, etc. compared to ours. As jissou so aptly pointed out, they work to live while we live to work. Meanwhile their living standards are higher. I guess it reinforces just how much we pound down the Pentagon rat hole. BTW, if you want some depressing reading, go to http://www.oilpeak.com for a range of links on the oil supply problem. You might want to get that Harley, SalB, as it does get reasonably good gas mileage. Donerail
SalB, I couldn’t read the article because you have to suscribe to read it. So what is it about ?
CRC
crc95, Very (very) briefly, the author is saying the French work system is very elitist and that workers (who went to the wrong school’ hence, can’t possibly advance in their profession) should practice goofing off as a way of job-life. In other words, look busy but don’t do anything. She feels it’s the only way to beat the system.
It was supposed to be a very limited publication but after her employer accused her of doing what she espoused, it was picked up by the press and the book in now in its fourth reprint and becoming a best seller.
I might add that she is highly educated and very much underemployed and gives the impression that is not unusual in the French economy.
Subscribe to NY Times. It’s free. You can unsubscribe after you read the article.
ok I’ll subsribe and read but if I get arrested under the Patriot Act I’ll tell them it’s you !!
CRC
crc95: I will stand up for you if Asscroft comes after you. Donerail
Thanks ! I knew I could count on you. Will you come rescue me in the Harley ? Do you have a sidecar ? Should I start fantasize about some reenactment of the Dukes Of Hazzard ?
CRC
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