Take some time for yourself with soothing classical music from the mindful mix,

the Science of Happiness Podcast.

For the last 20 years I've dedicated my career to exploring the science of living a happier more meaningful life and I want

to share that science with you.

And just one thing, deep calm with Michael Mosley.

I want to help you tap in to your hidden relaxation response system and open the door to that

calmer place within. Listen on BBC Sounds.

This is a Thinking Loud Podcast from the BBC and for more details in our terms of use and much, much more about thinking aloud.

Go to our website at BBC.co. UK.

Hello, bonjure, bonnapp remedy, bonsoire.

You know, it's odd but even as I say such familiar French words, I worry, in a way I would never worry when saying

chow or Arabi de dechy about whether I've got the pronunciation exactly right.

And that's a familiar concern.

I seem to remember the comedian Eddie Isard inviting us to laugh at English visitors to France

who hesitate to enter the Bul lingerie because they can't remember whether what they want is Le Baguette or La Baguette. Imagine he said French people in England anguishing

over whether it was the pork pie or the pork pie. And that isn't our only act of deference to the French.

We also readily allow they have excellent auto routes and high-speed railways and

hoot cuisine restaurants and real real markets and except perhaps in Paris

agreeable if somewhat formal manners.

But there's one hugely significant area in which the French no longer seem to command our respect,

or even our attention.

We no longer look to France for culture, for films, for novels,

...