The Proust Questionnaire

In the back pages of Vanity Fair each month (my fave mag), readers find "The Proust Questionnaire," a series of questions posed to famous subjects about their lives, thoughts, values and experience. It stems from responses given by French writer Marcel Proust at the end of the nineteenth century. This is what I most look forward to upon receiving VF, but I make myself read the whole thing before I allow myself this guilty pleasure.

It's not so much that I care what these "famous" people think or feel, but it is the response it elicits from me that I truly enjoy. Sometimes, depending on the subject, I don't even read their answers! For instance this month it was Jane Fonda. Let's be honest, she has done lots for teen pregnancy prevention and has been quite the political activist, but do I really care when she was happiest? No, but I do wonder when I was happiest?

So you see it is a great opportunity to contemplate one's self, one's thoughts. I think we all live life so manic-ly that we sometimes lose sight of who we are, what we enjoy and what really makes us tick. . . . we are all in need of some introspection. These questionnaires give me a few minutes each month to reflect on my inner self, my soul if you will. Take a minute and ask yourself these questions. Your answers might surprise even you!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
What is your greatest Fear?
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
What is your greatest extravagance?
What is your current state of mind?
On what occasion do you lie?
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Which living person do you most despise?
What do you most value in you friends?
What or who is the greatest love in your life?
When and here were your happiest?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Where would you like to live?
What is your most treasured possession?
What is your favorite occupation?
What is your most marked characteristic?
Who are your favorite writers?
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
What is it that you most dislike?
What is your greatest regret?
Which talent would you most like to have?
How would you like to die?
What is your motto?