Other countries drink to get drunk, and this is accepted by everyone; in France, drunkenness is a consequence, never an intention. A drink is felt as the spinning out of a pleasure, not as the necessary cause of an effect which is sought: wine is not only a philter, it is also the leisurely act of drinking.

Summary

This quote highlights a cultural difference between France and other countries when it comes to drinking alcohol. In many countries, getting drunk is often the main goal when consuming alcohol, and this is generally accepted. However, in France, drunkenness is seen as a side effect rather than an intention. The act of drinking wine is seen as a pleasurable experience in itself, rather than simply a means to an end. Wine is not just seen as a potion or a means of achieving an effect, but also as an enjoyable leisurely activity.

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