Afraid you’re missing out on the life you were meant to live…?
Not knowing yourself can leave you stuck, doubting your potential and settling for less.
The Proust Questionnaire’s 35 questions cut through the noise, helping you discover who you truly are!!
Who is Marcel Proust?
Long before he became a renowned French novelist and essayist of the early 20th Century, Marcel Proust walked into a party one day at the age of 14 to celebrate the birthday of his good friend Antoinette Faure.
She already had a game or “confession album” going which consisted of several questions inside a large book (not so modern).
The players had to answer a series of very personal and probing queries such as:
• “Who are your favorite heroes of fiction?”
• “What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?”
• “Your favorite virtue?”
To each of these questions respectively, the teenager Marcel responded:
• “Those … who are the expression of an ideal rather than an imitation of the real”
• “To be separated from Mama”
• “All virtues that are not limited to a sect: the universal virtues”
And did I mention that he was only 14?
Such an intellect, right?! 🙂
What was very interesting is that at this young age already, he was already super self-aware! That’s the french writer marcel proust!
From Parlor Game to Best American Series in Publication
His insightful responses have prompted some individuals to look at this quiz as a window into a person’s innermost loves, dislikes, fears—basically everything that makes a person tick!
Possibly, that’s why so many celebrities have chosen to participate in the inquiry that was also published on the famous Vanity Fair magazine.
The Proust Questionnaire became a regular staple of Vanity Fair in 1993. To be called upon to answer the assessment was viewed as an honor—almost like a validation of one’s craft standing out from the rest.
Previous participants include:
• Julia Child
• Norman Mailer
• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Joan Didion
• Nick Jonas
And many others since have responded to Proust survey and in turn, have captivated readers with its deep discernment and its ability to remind the readers that the participant, though a celebrity, is still…well, a person like you and me who are navigating through life! 🙂
The complete Proust Questionnaire, 35 questions!
Marcel Proust was one of the celebrities that took this famous questionnaire and this is the reason why it’s very famous!
He believed that, in answering these questions, a person uncovers his or her true nature.
Here is the Proust interview, you can download the list here!
- What is your idea of perfect happiness?
- What is your greatest fear?
- What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
- What is the trait you most deplore in others?
- Which living person do you most admire?
- What is your greatest extravagance?
- What is your current state of mind?
- What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
- On what occasion do you lie?
- What do you most dislike about your appearance?
- Which living person do you most despise?
- What is the quality you most like in a man?
- What is the quality you most like in a woman?
- Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
- What or who is the greatest love of your life?
- When and where were you happiest?
- Which talent would you most like to have?
- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
- What do you consider your greatest achievement?
- If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
- Where would you most like to live?
- What is your most treasured possession?
- What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
- What is your favorite occupation?
- What is your most marked characteristic?
- What do you most value in your friends?
- Who are your favorite writers?
- Who is your hero of fiction?
- Which historical figure do you most identify with
- Who are your heroes in real life?
- What are your favorite names?
- What is it that you most dislike?
- What is your greatest regret?
- How would you like to die?
- What is your motto?
My answers to a few questions…
I’d love to share some of my responses with you! 🙂 (set of questions answered!)
“What is your idea of perfect happiness?”
Eating something delicious with the people I love, followed by watching a great movie!
“What is the trait you less like in yourself?”
I’m not patient enough. I really wish I were more patient, but life feels too short to wait!
In general, I struggle with patience in everyday situations—like standing in line at the supermarket or driving behind slow drivers. But it also affects me on a deeper level: I expect quick results, even though some things naturally take more time than usual.
“What is your current state of mind?”
We are our own limits! We can do whatever we want with our lives—we just need to know what we truly want and take consistent actions to reach it. Everything else is in our minds! 🙂
In other words, I like to say, “It’s all about attitude!” 🙂
“What do you most value in your friends?”
I really value reliability (that they keep their word), a great sense of humor, open-mindedness, and authenticity.
It’s important for me to connect with friends and family on a deep, meaningful level.
“What is your greatest regret?”
My greatest regret is probably spending too much time comparing myself to others and feeling pressured by society.
I believe we should all live life on our own terms, doing what we want—not what we think we “should” be doing! 🙂
The proust questionnaire is a set of fascinating questions!
Trait you most deplore…
This question invites some real, honest reflection.
It makes you face those parts of yourself you struggle with the most.
It’s not always easy to admit, but recognizing them is the first step toward growth.
Instead of getting stuck in frustration or guilt, it gives you a chance to shift your mindset.
You can accept those flaws and still take steps toward becoming the person you want to be! 😊
Idea of perfect happiness!
The Proust Questionaire asks, “What is your idea of perfect happiness?”
It’s probably one of the most fun and personal questions in the entire PDF.
It makes you pause and really think about what brings you pure joy.
There are no rules—just your unique version of happiness, whatever that looks like.
Answering it helps you uncover what truly matters to you and what experiences you value most.
And honestly, isn’t that what Proust’s questionnaire is all about? 😊
To sum up!
The Proust Questionnaire is a classic set of questions designed to reveal personal insights and values.
It became popular after the french novelist Marcel Proust answered the questionnaire (made famous), reflecting his evolving thoughts over the years.
The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a 19th-century parlor game, where answering these questions explored one’s character (and auction).
Today, various versions of the questionnaire often used exist, offering a unique tool for self-reflection, personal growth, and meaningful conversations! 🙂
