Colson Whitehead: If you could alter one thing about yourself, what would it be? — FLAPSS

The question

If you could alter one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Originally asked

Vanity Fair, to its interview subject, The Proust Questionnaire

Verbatim recurring item in Vanity Fair's Proust Questionnaire; two publisher-hosted respondent pages establish institutional recurrence.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

CW

Colson Whitehead

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Best to leave things alone. Pull things out, it all comes down. I’m Jenga like that.

The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 18 July 2023 source ↗

Others on this question

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Bonnie Raitt Singer and guitarist

Balancing my inner and outer life.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 28 September 2022 source ↗

That I would have focused more on languages.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 30 May 2019 source ↗

Danielle Steel Novelist

I wish I were braver, although I try. I work too hard and don’t play enough. Too much work ethic, not enough “fun.”

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2012 source ↗

Melissa Etheridge Singer, songwriter and guitarist

Again, not gonna change anything about myself. I’ve really learned to appreciate everything. Okay, maybe I’d be taller. How about that?

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 5 September 2023 source ↗

More from Colson Whitehead

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Question Which quality in your friends matters most to you? Relationships

They’ll help me dump a body off the turnpike.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 18 July 2023 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Enough with the constant smiling.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, July 2023 source ↗

Question What does happiness look like for you when life is going well? Identity & self

I’m walking down the street angrily muttering to myself and then I run into a neighbor or former coworker and they catch me in this moment of private-public expression. It’s nice to be seen sometimes.

Recorded The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, 18 July 2023 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

Opening day of The Empire Strikes Back, 86th Street Loews.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, July 2023 source ↗

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