Les tempéraments nationaux, produits de l'histoire

[eng] SUMMARY If historians gain from frequenting economists the latter might benefit from applying na historical mind to the study of economic facts The sl is notably represented in economic life through the channel of certain data concerning collective psychology It is facfc derived from experience tliat people reveal different qualities and unequal aptitudes in their work Do the difference constitute the expression of temperaments predestined by nature The explanation by temperaments only assumes the existence of scientific certitudes Experience shows that these differences have become more and more pronounced The peoples have evolved into what they arp today Their national temperaments are the products of collective expe rience Let us consider the French example Certain characteristics of the French psychology its relation to economic activity are the consequences on one hand of social structure based on social tradition rather than on proflt-seeiking and on the other hand of the classical education incul cating the antiquated conception of the natural superiority of liberal arts to practical training What is the product of history may also be modined by It