How to measure the wealth of a country

If the wealth of a country is measured in balance of payments, or how much gold is in bank vaults, then perhaps France is not rich ( although for a long time French people have been stashing away cash under their matresses), but if you measure wealth in the quality of life - then perhaps this is the richest country in the world.

I am writing this from a table in the cafeteria of a hospital in Montpellier - my Mother is here for a week for observation as she has bad pains in her back and legs.

I am impressed with the care and attention and respect for feelings everybody has shown. It goes a lot further than the politeness you see every day, it is a warm and genuine concern for a fellow human being.

This is the third time I have had direct experience of the health care in France - four years ago the skill and attention of staff in a small Pezenas clinic saved the life of my son Jack when he fell off a wall and they helicoptered him to Montpellier. Last year the hopitals in Beziers saved me and now my Mother is getting the same, extensive and professional treatment.

No one asks what it costs, it is bound to be costing the state (taxpayers) a huge sum - it works.

The same goes for education, my 18 year of daughter Miranda passed her bac (baccalauriat) yesterday and got a top mark - she now has five more years of intensive education - My elder daughter Clio has passed her bac+2 and is planning a higher diploma course next year.

No one asks what it costs, it works and two well educated tri-lingual professionals will soon help France and pay back their education many times over.

The wealth of a country is in its people, not in its banks - it is the only investment worth making and I will never again resent the taxes and social charges I pay (well I am bound to complain, but that is another healthy thing - I can complain).

The Bouef Bourguignon was delicious for lunch as well.