The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not originally devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature.
SAFN student representative Kelly Alexander is collecting responses from participants in our food anthropology video archive. Here are responses to the Proust Questionnaire from Dr. Carole Counihan.
What is your favorite virtue? Truthfulness
What are your favorite qualities in a man? Honesty, generosity and knowledge of car engines.
What are your favorite qualities in a woman? Honesty, generosity and steadfastness.
What do you think is your chief characteristic? Balance (I’m a libra).
What quality do you appreciate the most in your friends? Honesty, generosity, and openness.
What do you consider your main fault? Being judgmental.
What is your favorite occupation? Anthropology: teaching, fieldwork, and writing
What is your idea of happiness? My loved ones doing well.
What is your idea of misery? My loved ones in distress.
If you could die and come back as another person or living being, what would you choose? Linda Ronstadt.
Where would you like to live? Colorado.
Who are your favorite prose authors? Too many to list but certainly Toni Morrison, Anne Lamott, Amy Tan, Anne Tyler, Louise Penny, Alice Walker…
Who are your favorite poets? Ogden Nash
Who are your favorite heroes/heroines of fiction?Maggie Hope, Jo Marsh, Maisie Dobbs, Alec Ramsey
Who are your favorite anthropologists? Margaret Mead, James Taggart
Dr. Counihan’s full video interview is here.
