It is a well known urban myth that the French don't trust banks and store their money under their mattress. It's not that they are tight with money - they just don't trust anyone. Janine di Giovanni bankfrenchmattress Change image and share on social
I never set out to be a journalist. I wanted to be a humanitarian doctor like Albert Schweitzer, working in Africa. Janine di Giovanni africaalbertdoctor Change image and share on social
Occupy Wall Street was a disorganized movement without a clear focus and power base - essential in any successful revolution - but the message was clear: the divisions between those who are fortunate enough to enjoy city living as opposed to those who find it unbearable are too wide. Janine di Giovanni basecityclear share on social
In Iraq during the days of Saddam, I had a government minder who followed me everywhere, reported on my activities. Janine di Giovanni activitydaygovernment Change image and share on social
My own mother, my sister and nearly all the women in my family had full-time jobs as mothers. They were wonderful at it. They drove their children back and forth to soccer, skating lessons, piano lessons, private schools, but I sensed, even in my own mother, a kind of distant dissatisfaction. Janine di Giovanni backchilddissatisfaction share on social
Every time the Catholic Church takes one step forward, it seems to take one giant step back. Janine di Giovanni backcatholicchurch Change image and share on social
Hats, giant shades and 60-plus sunblock are part of my summer repertoire. I don't want wrinkles, but it's skin cancer I truly fear. Janine di Giovanni cancerfeargiant Change image and share on social
When I did a year-long study in 2005 of European countries integrating Muslims into their cultures, France came in the lowest of the rank. Sweden was not far behind, though, which is worrying, as racism in France is much closer to the bone. Janine di Giovanni boneclosecountry share on social
Even as a small child, I wondered why the Dominican nuns who educated me were subservient to the Jesuit priests who educated my brothers. Janine di Giovanni brotherchilddominican Change image and share on social
Little changes can start to make a difference in the world. Janine di Giovanni differencemakestart Change image and share on social