"It is unthinkable for a Frenchman to arrive at middle age without having syphilis and the Cross of the Legion of Honor"

This quote by Andre Gide is a satirical comment on the French society of his time. It implies that it is practically anticipated for a Frenchman to have syphilis and the Cross of the Legion of Honor by the time they reach middle age. Gide is recommending that these two things are viewed as an indication of success and respectability in French society. He is also implying that the French society of his time is excessively focused on product success and status symbols, instead of on more meaningful accomplishments. Gide is slamming the French society of his time for its emphasis on product success and status symbols, and for its absence of appreciation for more significant accomplishments. He is also suggesting that syphilis and the Cross of the Legion of Honor are seen as an indication of success and respectability in French society, which he finds to be unreasonable.