PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE
Isay Weinfeld
Architect
The celebrated architect from São Paulo has had his practice since 1973, where he has created multidisciplinary projects, such as some Fasano Group hotels, Livraria da Vila bookstores and, recently, a building for low-income housing plan Minha Casa Minha Vida, in São Paulo’s downtown. His modern and minimalist style marks his creations.
1
What is your notion of perfect happiness?
Spending the day with my granddaughter.
2
What is your biggest fear?
Pressure cookers.
3
What trait do you most hate in yourself?
My fussiness.
4
What trait do you most hate in others?
Rudeness.
5
What living person do you most admire?
Jacques Tati. Just like Elvis, he hasn’t died.
6
What is your greatest extravagance?
Still being around.
7
What is your current state of mind?
Deplorable.
8
What virtue do you think is overrated?
Joy.
9
At what occasions do you lie?
When I do not say some hard truths.
10
What do you least like about your looks?
My mane.
11
What living person do you most despise?
Any question?
12
What quality do you most admire in a man?
Kindness.
13
What quality do you most admire in a woman?
Kindness.
14
What words or phrases do you overuse?
Kindness.
15
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My daughter, my granddaughter.
16
When and where were you the happiest in life?
Right here, a few minutes before trying to answer this Q&A.
17
What talent do you most wish you had?
None. I’m pleased with my lack thereof.
18
If you could change anything about yourself, what would that be?
My mane.
19
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The moon landing.
20
If you died and could come back as a thing or a person, what would you like to be?
A mummy.
21
Where would you most like to live?
At my home.
22
What is your highest-esteemed belonging?
A home ECG machine.
23
What do you think is the lowest degree of disgrace?
The difference between people.
24
What is your favorite activity?
Answering Q&As.
25
What is your most remarkable trait?
Beauty.
26
What do you most prize about your friends?
Patience. With me.
27
Who are your favorite authors?
Proust, right? Otherwise, it gets extremely dull…
28
Who is your hero in fiction?
Monsieur Hulot.
29
With what historical character do you identify the most?
Caetano Veloso.
30
Who are your real-life heroes?
My 53 physicians.
31
What are your favorite names?
Asdrubalina and Florisbaldo.
32
What do you most hate?
Picking a favorite name.
33
What is your greatest regret?
Having agreed to answer this Q&A.
34
How would you like to die?
Fully awake.
35
What is your motto?
Life is too short to be lived, and too long to be died.
