One for the Road - The Proust Questionnaire

As I pack my existence to ship some of it to Shanghai, I came across this old book with a collection of "The Proust Questionnaire" as answered by interesting individuals living and past. The questionnaire, as made famous by the French writer Marcel Proust, is said to be quite revealing.

I took it once and I think it is a good point in life to take it again, especially when I imagine going to China would inevitably alter some of my perceptions.

1. What is your favorite virtue in yourself?
 My ability to reflect and improve AND my discretion in knowing when not to do so.

2. Your favorite qualities in a man?
Gentility in his strength.

3.Your favorite qualities in a woman?
Strength in her gentility.

4.Your idea of happiness?
Happy with oneself.

5. Your greatest fear?
To be immobilized by fear itself.

6. What traits do you most deplore in yourself?
My occasional propensity to over-think and under-act.

7. What traits do you most deplore in others?
Lacking self-awareness.

8. Where and when were you happiest?
On many occasions many times and hopefully many occasions to come.

9. What is the most overrated virtue in your opinion?
Success.

10. What is your greatest luxury in life?
Freedom of choice.

11. How would you like to die?
Gently and quickly.

12. Your motto?
Live as if you shall die tomorrow; Love as if you have never been hurt.


Remembrance of Things Past