AO
The internet. Such potential for good and for levelling up the world, but such a quagmire in reality.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 July 2026 source ↗
The question
What disappointment has stayed with you longest?Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
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Others on this question
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Pauline McLynn
Irish character actress and author
Actors live in a constant state of disappointment. I’ll never be happy with what I’ve done.
Rick Astley
Singer, songwriter and radio presenter
Fame. The upside is not worth the downside – you can’t turn fame on and off, and have privacy.
Marilyn Manson
American musician
My last three relationships.
James Bay
English singer-songwriter and guitarist
My left foot. (I’m great with my right – I can bend it like Beckham.)
More from Andrew O'Hagan
View profile →As a good friend.
Like getting out of the right side of the bed every morning, even when you don’t.
For world capitalism to grind to a halt.
Most days, I wanted to be Albrecht in the classical ballet Giselle, dancing until I dropped dead.
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