Proust Questionnaire: D. E. Alvis's answers

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On Tue, 12 Jan 16 20:51:03 UTC D. E. Alvis (58) answered the Proust Questionnaire (click on a question to read other answers):

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?: Being with women who don't understand or like me. Watching my dying father suffer. My dog dying.
Where would you like to live?: In my own home, wherever it is at the time. In peace and quiet and beauty.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?: Reading, freedom, being at home with my dog. A few beloved friends to talk to. Dark chocolate.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?: To those without curiousity and imagination. People who don't enjoy reading.
Who are your favorite heroes of fiction?: Dagny Taggart. Pi. Dorinda in "Barren Ground." Alexandra in "0 Pioneer." Jo in "Little Women."
Who are your favorite characters in history?: Amelia Earhart. Abraham Lincoln. Oscar Wilde. Madame Curie. Jesus Christ.
Who are your favorite heroines in real life?: My mother. My dance teacher Frances Keaton. Sadly I can't think of any who are alive today.
Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?: See above. Sorry.
Your favorite painter?: Monet
Your favorite musician?: Rachmaninov
The quality you most admire in a man?: Intelligence, sense of humor
The quality you most admire in a woman?: Intelligence, honesty
Your favorite virtue?: KINDNESS
Your favorite occupation?: Reading, thinking
Who would you have liked to be?: Myself in a better world, maybe the future. And I'd like to be taller.
Your most marked characteristic?: Independent
What do you most value in your friends?: Honesty. Loyalty.
What is your principle defect?: Self-absorbed, introvert. Cold and aloof when wounded.
What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?: To never love or be loved. To never have solitude.
What would you like to be?: Happy. FREE. Alone most of the time.
What is your favorite color?: Green
What is your favorite flower?: Gardenia, for the fragrance
What is your favorite bird?: Carolina Chickadee
Who are your favorite prose writers?: Somerset Maugham, Willa Cather
Who are your favorite poets?: Dylan Thomas. My brother Ashley Alvis. Thich Nhat Hanh.
Who are your heroes in real life?: None.
Who are your favorite heroines of history?: I answered this already.
What are your favorite names?: Claire. Anna.
What is it you most dislike?: Strong gusty cold relentless wind. Unkind people. My middle name. Bridal showers/teas.
What historical figures do you most despise?: Hitler.
What event in military history do you most admire?: My brother surviving Vietnam.
What natural gift would you most like to possess?: Higher IQ
How would you like to die?: Very old and happy, and lucid.
What is your present state of mind?: Relaxed and amused.
What is your motto?: Just do the right thing. Be kind. Choose to be happy. Think for yourself.

Why do I have no real life heroes? Maybe I will, someday. But I never felt the need for them. I try to be a good person, but I fear I think too highly of myself and value my life too dearly. Maybe I won't, someday.

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