One of my favourite aspects of French culture, aside from the pastries and the cheeses, is their appetite for vigorous debate on just about any topic. Whether it’s at a café or a party, le debat is a national sport, a way of life. Disagreement doesn’t seem to offend anyone. In fact, it’s often expected that you take an opposing argument, fondly referred to as se faire l’avocat du diable, or playing the devil’s advocate. Yet how often in Australia do we fiercely debate topics—other than sport and occasionally politics—with friends and colleagues? In-depth, without taking offense, strongly arguing a...