A Challenge to Write— “The Proust Questionnaire”
Based on a Traditional French Parlour Game to Practice Writing
Dear Dr Mehmet Yildiz,
I am grateful for the prompt. I had a lot of trouble with answering the questions on happiness. I value contentment and freedom more. I hope the following suffices to reveal my true nature.
Kind regards
Briddy
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It is called the pursuit of happiness for a reason, as you always pursue it. You arrive fleetingly and then try and catch it again. There is then a further level of happiness to attain, similar to a computer game. I value freedom of the mind and contentment. Perhaps these two elements embody my definition of happiness.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my originality and independence and becoming a clone creator or utilizing the style of patchwriting. My greatest fear would be ending a post by recommending you sign up for my Medium Writing Course. :)
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
None as I don't think you should deplore aspects of yourself. Be kind and forgiving and accept we all have positive and negative traits. We are a work in progress.
Which living person do you most admire?
This is the most challenging question. I can’t lie — I don’t admire a particular living person. There are traits I like from different people. Can I make a composite make-believe person?
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
External beauty is an overrated virtue. More attractive people have what the French describe as a“je ne sais quoi” — an attractive or distinctive person, but we can’t put our finger on why.
On what occasion do you lie?
I can’t recall when I have lied. Instead, I subtly deliver honesty by questioning rather than making a statement that may offend someone or say nothing at all.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
And…. and …. and …. and.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My passion for freedom of artistic expression in the mediums of abstract art, jewelry making, my online business, course design, teaching, and urban planning.
When and where were you happiest?
I don’t fix happiness to a particular place or time. For me, happiness is intrinsic rather than extrinsically generated. I am happy as long as I have my freedom and nobody tells me what to do, how to do it, or when to do it.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To make perfect decisions in life. Everyone would share the benefit. Mind reading would be helpful too. Can I only choose one?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Clone me into quadruplets to work on four projects simultaneously as I don’t have enough time left in my life to complete my aspirations.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I am maintaining a continuous self-belief and associated actions to bring ideas to concrete fruition.
Where would you most like to live?
I am Australian, but I would like to live on the outskirts of Positano, in the foothills overlooking the Meditteranean on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their originality, inspiration, drive, creativity, logic, problem-solving abilities, accessibility, enthusiasm, and independence.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Jean Piaget, Nicolas Darvis, John C. Bogle, Marcus Aurelius and Picasso.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Wonder Woman is real. Wonder Women are everywhere starring in their own movies.
What is your greatest regret?
I did not invest in Apple Shares in 1984.
What is your motto?
Life is a blank canvas — relax, let go, and freely create your own script to add value to your life and others.
Enjoy more of my stories here or in my Flipboard Magazine.
Join Medium for $5 a month to write your own story. $2.27 goes directly to the writer (me). I will spend it wisely on a cafe latte in my favorite coffee shop, pretend to be JK Rowling, and be inspired to write more.
Briddy is an Australian writer enjoying freedom in her Feisty Fifties. If you enjoyed her writing — sign up for her email list so new stories go direct to your mailbox. She looks forward to connecting with other writers and readers around the world through Medium. Twitter handle is @BriddyBrigid.
