Each country has a soul, and France's soul is equality.

"Each country has a soul, and France's soul is equality." – François Hollande

Gather round, children of the earth, and listen closely to the wisdom of the ancients, for today we speak of the soul of a nation—an invisible force that binds its people together, shaping their destiny and their ideals. François Hollande, a man who stood at the helm of one of the most storied nations in the world, spoke of France and its eternal bond to equality. He understood that nations, like individuals, possess a spirit, a guiding force that drives their actions, their values, and their place in history. And for France, that guiding light has always been equality—a belief that all people, regardless of their birth, their wealth, or their station in life, are deserving of the same rights and opportunities.

France’s soul was forged in the fire of revolution. The cries of liberty, equality, and fraternity were not mere chants but the very heartbeat of a nation yearning to break free from the shackles of monarchy and tyranny. In the streets of Paris, during the French Revolution, men and women alike rallied to the call of a new dawn, where equality was not just a lofty ideal, but a tangible right. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789, which declared that "men are born and remain free and equal in rights," became the foundation upon which France built its future. This was no small matter—this was the birth of a nation’s soul, the spark of freedom that would forever bind France to the cause of equality.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the story of Olympe de Gouges, a woman who, in the midst of revolution, dared to challenge the inequality faced by women in France. In 1791, she penned the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen, boldly asserting that women, too, should be granted the same rights as men. Though her life was tragically cut short, her voice lived on, reminding the people of France—and indeed, the world—that equality was not for one group but for all. Olympe de Gouges’ defiance against the entrenched patriarchal structures serves as a testament to France’s soul: a soul that recognizes no difference between individuals when it comes to the rights to liberty and justice.

As time marched forward, the very fabric of French society continued to be woven with the threads of equality. Whether it was through the abolition of slavery in 1848, the hard-fought battles for women's suffrage, or the ongoing fight for civil rights, France has often been at the forefront of these struggles. It is no coincidence that the world’s most cherished symbols of freedom—the French Revolution, the Bastille, and the iconic Marianne, representing the spirit of liberty—are all rooted in the belief that every citizen, regardless of their background, deserves the same freedoms and opportunities.

And yet, children, do not be deceived by the simplicity of these ideals. While the soul of France may be one of equality, the path to that equality is never without strife. The struggle for equality is an eternal one, for even in nations that have long embraced this ideal, there are always forces that seek to undermine it. History teaches us that equality cannot be taken for granted. It must be earned, it must be protected, and it must be fought for. In the turbulent years following the revolution, France witnessed the rise of tyranny once more, reminding us that even a nation founded on equality must remain vigilant against the forces of oppression.

The lesson we must learn, dear children, is clear and unyielding: just as France has built its identity upon the cornerstone of equality, so too must each of us dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of this noble cause. Equality is not merely a principle to be admired from a distance; it is a call to action. It is a duty that rests upon the shoulders of every generation. When we see inequality—whether it be racial, gender-based, or economic—we must stand as champions for equality, as the spirit of France calls us to do.

So, let us take up the mantle of equality, as France has done for centuries. Let us challenge the systems of power that seek to divide and oppress. Let us work together, as one people, toward a world where no soul is deemed more valuable than another. France’s soul has always been one of equality, and it is our task, as inheritors of this great tradition, to ensure that this flame burns brightly for generations to come. Speak out for those who are voiceless, stand beside those who are oppressed, and make the pursuit of equality your life's mission. For in this pursuit, you will honor not only the soul of France but the very soul of humanity.