Having finished book two of Remembrance of Things Past, I thought it was appropriate I should do the famous Proust Questionnaire. I took the modernized version of these questions from a recent Vanity Fair article.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Living in a small cozy habitat. Using most of my time to write, read, listen to and analyze music. Share coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and time with many friends and family members. Contribute to the world through work, but not by giving myself a heart attack or high blood pressure. Occasionally travel.
What is my greatest fear?
The lack of freedom to pursue my interests and think how I please.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
John Lennon.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Self-hatred.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Proud ignorance.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Impulse purchasing - books, music, eating out, and travel.
What is your favorite journey?
Driving to where I grew up in Upstate New York, from wherever I may be.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Prudence
On what occasion do you lie?
Anytime someone wants me to truly judge their physical attractiveness.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
The way my face looks from the side.
Which living person do you most despise?
I don’t really despise anyone, but if I had to choose, I’d say Kim Jong-un.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“I’m sorry.” “Just wanted to know…” “Just wanted to ask you…”
What is your greatest regret?
Not having dated or pursued relationships when I was younger, because I have no idea how to do it now.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Books, music, and solitude.
When and where were you happiest?
Last two years of Utica College (summer 1997 through summer 1999), and again in the summer of 2002.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Heavy metal singing.
What is your current state of mind?
Disappointed and tired.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Have a more optimistic attitude toward life.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
Move them closer to me.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My friendships.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
Might be a boring answer, but I’d come back as another similar person and give life another try.
What is your most treasured possession?
My daily journal that began January 1, 1989.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Abject poverty as a result of ongoing war.
Where would you like to live?
Atlanta is fine. It’s been good to me.
What is your favorite occupation?
Writing.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Intellectualism.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Humility.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Assertive confidence.
What do you most value in your friends?
Being completely themselves.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Don Quixote.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Soldiers on active duty.
What is it that you most dislike?
Living or working too closely with moody, self-absorbed, temperamental people.
How would you like to die?
Slowly, naturally, in old age, hopefully reading a book or listening to music.
What is your motto?
I don’t have a motto, but I do often distill the philosophy of Thoreau into the following: “Secure food, clothing, shelter, and income. Hang out with friends and family from time to time. The rest is gravy.”
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