Sunday, January 4, 2015

Answering Marcel Proust's Questionnaire

Here are my answers to the Proust Questionnaire, which was used in Victorian times by Marcel Proust. It was brought back into popularity by Vanity Fair magazine in 1993. 

Give it a try, post your answers, and comment with the link to yours, if you wish!

~Bev

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A cozy autumn evening with my husband on a beautiful Victorian couch in front of a fireplace. I would sip mulled wine while we watched movies, then I'd spend time reading and crocheting before we snuggled into bed.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Outspoken.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Living life the way I wanted, even though it's caused me difficulties on occasion.
What is your greatest fear?
It's a tie: heights & the moment of death.
What historical figure do you most identify with?
I'm not sure why, but I'm fascinated by Mata Hari. I identify with her because of her unconventionality, seductiveness, and bohemian nature. I see myself as secretly having the temperament of a double agent (spy). 
Which living person do you most admire?
The Dalai Lama. Love him! He doesn't take himself too seriously.
Who are your heroes in real life?
All the writers, musicians, artists, and other creatives who continue to follow their passions in a world that is constantly trying to tell you to give up your dreams and 'be sensible.' 
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Overanalyzing every. single. little. thing. to the point of madness.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Cruelty.
What is your favorite journey?
The one I take when I'm reading books.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Meekness.
Which word or phrases do you most overuse?
The F-word.
What is your greatest regret?
Marrying (the first time) at 20 years old. 
What is your current state of mind?
Contemplative.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
More understanding and fewer assumptions about people, events, circumstances; although they may think they have full story and historical narrative from all parties, they don't.
What is your most treasured possession?
Mac laptop computer.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
To shackle oneself to life of drudgery and mind-numbing routine, only fulfilling duties and not taking the opportunity to find joy, happiness, and passion when the chance arises.
Where would you like to live?
Highlands of Scotland, Norway, or Japan.

What is your favorite occupation?
Writer. DUH!
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Intelligence.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Noncompetitiveness.

What are your favorite names?
Alexandra and Peter.
What is your motto?
Vita sine libris mors est, which is Latin for "Life without books is death."


No comments:

Post a Comment