The cartoonist Joann Sfar explained Paris in a series on Instagram. (I saw it, appropriately, via Salman Rushdie.)

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A photo posted by Joann Sfar (@joannsfar) on Nov 13, 2015 at 5:09pm PST

Paris est notre capitale. Nous aimons la musique, l’ivresse, la joie.

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A photo posted by Joann Sfar (@joannsfar) on Nov 13, 2015 at 5:10pm PST

Depuis des siècles, des amoureux de la mort ont tenté de nous faire perdre le goût de vivre.

And one in English:

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A photo posted by Joann Sfar (@joannsfar) on Nov 13, 2015 at 5:15pm PST

Friends from the whole world, thank you for #prayforParis, but we don’t need more religion! Our faith goes to music! kisses! life! champagne and joy! #Paris is about life!