Anybody who would like to travel as an archaeologist of mores and observe men instead of rocks could find an image of the century of Louis XV in some village in Provence, that of Louis XIV in Poitou, that of even more remote times in the far reaches of Brittany. Most of these cities have fallen from some splendor that historians, more preoccupied with dates than customs, no longer speak of, but whose memory lives on, such as in Brittany, where the national character scarcely accepts the forgetting of what this country is fundamentally about. . . All of these cities have their primitive character.

Summary

The quote suggests that one can learn as much about history and culture by observing people and their customs as by studying artifacts and historical records. The author points out that one can find traces of past eras and their respective characteristics in various regions of France. These places may have lost their former grandeur, which historians often overlook, but their essence and identity continue to persist. The author specifically highlights the significance of Brittany's national character, emphasizing the importance of remembering and preserving the fundamental essence of a country. Ultimately, the quote emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating local customs and traditions as a key aspect of historical and cultural exploration.

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