#515

Proust Queries at age 25

Proust apparently did this a few times in his life, and Google does this internally with some employees from time to time. I think I'm gonna give it a try now that I've been around for a little while. Maybe I can start doing this every few years.

What is your motto?

"You are who you surround yourself with."

What is your present state of mind?

"Relaxed, but sleepy."

What is your idea of happiness?

"A good book. Being lost in creating something. A conversation that lasts longer than a cup of coffee."

What is your greatest fear?

"To stop learning."

What is your greatest extravagance?

"Not sure, probably technology."

What words or phrases do you most overuse?

"Technically. Nice."

What is your most marked characteristic?

"I've never been sure about this. Some people say it is my intelligence. Others say my height. I think it is how easily amused I am."

What is the trait you most dislike in others?

"Disloyalty."

What natural gift would you most like to possess?

"Perfect memory."

Where would you like to live?

"Somewhere in the Pacific Northwest or Western Europe."

How would you like to die?

"Old age, listening to music."

If you died and came back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

"I don't really believe in reincarnation, but the idea of coming back as a dolphin seems appealing."

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

"I've never been very good at history... but I'd probably say Andrew Carnegie or Benjamin Franklin. Their devotion to spreading information has always impressed me."

Who is your favorite hero of fiction or history?

"Case from William Gibson's Neuromancer."

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

"Probably graduating from college. My Eagle Scout award is also up there."

/Nat