The framers of the U.S. Constitution were well versed in the writings of leading European philosophers of their day. In the first half of the eighteenth century, the French thinker Montesquieu envisioned the three branches of government that were written into the American Constitution. Rousseau wrote extensively on the equality of man. And Cesare Beccaria's work on law was read by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. If you are an American citizen, a knowledge of these authors and an understanding of their cultural context can serve to enrich your understanding of your country.
Additionally, an understanding of a foreign language and culture will help you be a better citizen of the world. The ability to relate across national boundaries has never been as critical as it is today. Consider the impact of the international market on Utah's economy: Utah companies do approximately $20 billion worth of business via international trade (55% of this is with Europe) and France is the number three overseas market for tourism in Utah, and number one when it comes to visiting Utah's National Parks. With the ease of communication and travel in today's world, chances are very high you will interact frequently with people of different nationalities whatever your profession may be.
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