This book must have had an impact on me because my thoughts on a Paris train gravitated toward the very subject. The following is from my sketchbook, written September 30, 2005 on my way to Amsterdam on a high speed train:

I've noticed there is significantly less large-format advertising in France and Belgium along the travel routes. In the U.S. we take the opportunity to reach a captive audience, travelling from 'here to there'. Here, it's just not so. From what I've seen there is certainly an understood, unstated line for what's appropriate in public spaces. Ironically, though there is an absence of corporate ads, there is an abundance of grafitti and tags-- far more than I've seen in the U.S. metros. Personal ads replace corporate ads.

In Paris we discussed the Parisian lifestyle with my American friend (who now resides there) and a few of her fellow Parisians. They communicated a "work to live" mentallity rather than a "live to work" mindset. One of the men shared that his company had recently been purchased by an American firm. He found it odd that they were always discussing "the team", were enthusiastically complimentary and sought to motivate the staff through performance bonuses. His response was that Europeans work hard regardless of the pay because it's just expected they do so. Praise was no more motivating than silence. However, there was a time for work and a time for play... and lots of it. Vacation typically lasts 6 weeks; people take time to learn new things-- take classes, start new hobbies, etc., not "escape" as we do in the U.S.

I'm intrigued that in the "old world" there is still a strong sense of how to live; that one's life should not be controlled by commerce-- whether in public space or personal occupation. I don't think we have this in America. We are in a current of commerce and we are pushed along with it. There is less of a sense of "public good" or humanity outside of charity or philanthropy. I think it's a quietly sinister situation in which we are tossed about day by day. Most people are walking advertisements for sports clubs, designer clothing or rock and roll in America.

To be clear there is advertising here, but in a smaller, less obtrusive format. Certainly modes of transporation have something to do with this, but even so, the frequency of exposure is lower and it can be easily ignored. I think it's because the people have chosen to live this way. Tour Montparnasse is a single skyscraper disrupting the Paris skyline -- in the line of sight of the Tour Eiffel. It was built in the 70's when Paris felt it needed "progress". However, when Parisians saw it completed they regretted having ever built it and restricted all high rises to a new area of the city. This is symbolic of the region. It's the people's country, not the government's, corporation's or entreprenuer's.

I get the sense of an "us" worldview that is stronger than an "I" worldview. Individuality is not equated with "individualism". There is still a practice of chivalry in this large city. Competition isn't against individuals but against the greater forces that shape life. Paris is a city that has recently overcome bombs and occupation. There is a strong sense of pride amongst the residents and I believe they won't let any institution ruin it -- whether corporate or government. Advertisers, consider youself warned: "Viva la Republique!" is still yelled on the streets.

Michael, wonderful insight. Has your view changed any on the sense of the country after the riots this fall in France. I've heard French commentators say that it has been a watershed event for the country. I think they viewed themselves before the riots much like you describe, and afterwards realized that all was not as blissful as they presumed. Interestingly, France has taken a the assimilation approach to immigrants (leave your ethnicity at the border and become French) while America has taken the melting pot approach (your both American and whatever). I wonder if the same can be said of their approach to advertising?