Passe Simple

Question

If I do not read or write in french does it mean I do not have to learn the Passe Simple  :)

Accepted Answer

Hi Susan, 
Just to add to Chris' answer, you will mainly need to recognise the passé simple. It is still used in newspapers and of course literature.
French children learn it at school around the age of 8 and I am always surprised by the amount of passé simple used in young children's literature.
Here is an interesting article about its future if you are interested -
https://www.lefigaro.fr/langue-francaise/actu-des-mots/2018/01/03/37002-20180103ARTFIG00001-le-passe-simple-est-il-condamne-a-disparaitre.php

Answer

You won't hear it in spoken French but you will encounter it in written French, certainly in literary French. But why avoid it? It isn't difficult. What's another verb form? ;)