I recently learned about the Proust Questionnaire from one of my favorite blogs, Leonce Chenal. I loved reading Leonce’s answers to the questions, and thought that you all might like to read mine as well (think of it as a “getting to know Kio” exercise).
The Proust Questionnaire takes its name from celebrated French author Marcel Proust, who made these personality-revealing questions famous through his own candid answers. Though he did not invent this parlor game format, his thoughtful responses turned it into something of a cultural touchstone. If you’re a fan of French literature, you might know Proust from his epic masterwork À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time), which is comprised of seven beautiful volumes published between 1913 and 1927 that dive deep into memory, time, and the human experience.
What’s fascinating is that we actually have two different sets of Proust’s answers from his youth. The earlier responses, from around 1885-1886, came from an English “confession album” (though our literary-minded teenager answered in French, naturally). A few years later, in 1891-1892, he tackled a French version called Les confidences de salon (Drawing Room Confessions), which had tweaked some of the original prompts. Like Leonce, I went with that first English set for my own answers.
Proust had this lovely idea that the right questions could unlock someone’s essential character. So with that in mind, here are my responses – hopefully they’ll give you a better sense of who I am!
Favorite virtue: Compassion and integrity (equally important in my eyes)
Favorite qualities in a man: Authenticity, kindness, bravery, and a sense of humor
Favorite qualities in a woman: (see above), but also gentleness. Actually, gentleness applies to both as well.
Favorite occupation: Traveling the world, and writing about the things I see. Also, being a mom.
Your chief characteristic: Relentless optimism
Your idea of happiness: Waking up to a life that I love (with the people that I love) every day
Your idea of misery: Not mattering to anyone
Favorite color and flower: My favorite color is indigo. My favorite flowers are wisteria (for the aesthetic) and confederate jasmine (for the scent).
If not yourself, who would you be?: I can’t imagine not being myself. I love her. If I weren’t myself, I’d likely be someone actively working to become me.
Where would you like to live?: Barcelona
Favorite prose authors: Octavia Butler (of course), Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Victor LaValle, Zora Neale Hurston
Favorite poets: Nikki Giovanni, Audre Lorde, Alice Walker
Favorite painters and composers: I don’t have a favorite painter, though I love (and fill my home with) pieces from local artists whenever I can. My favorite composers include the incomparable Prince Rogers Nelson, as well as Lin Manuel Miranda and Mon Rovia.
Favorite heroes in real life: Bernie
Favorite heroines in real life: Miss Rachel (and every mama making it through the day in Gaza)
Favorite heroes in fiction: Magneto (he’s a hero – argue with ya mama), Haymitch Abernathy, Samwise Gamgee
Favorite heroines in fiction: Buffy Summers, Meg Murry, Lauren Olamina
Favorite food and drink: rose and spearmint tea, honey drop grapes, and warm, soft cookies
Favorite names: Selah, Morning, Josiah, Love, Lily
Pet aversion: Liars, especially when the lies are volunteered
What characters in history do you most dislike: How long do we have?
What is your present state of mind? Fulfilled, happy, contemplative
For what fault do you have the most tolerance? Over-indulgence
Favorite motto: “This is my life, my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing.” (Maya Angelou)
Quiet Hour Critiques 