The cultivation of a hobby and new forms of interest is therefore a policy of first importance to a public man. But this is not a business that can be undertaken in a day or swiftly improvised by a mere command of the will. The growth of alternative mental interests is a long process. The seeds must be carefully chosen; they must fall on good ground; they must be sedulously tended, if the vivifying fruits are to be at hand when needed. To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
206 answers answered between 1932 and 2026 one of 25 in The Q&A
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The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
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On the record
Public figures who have answered a question like this elsewhere. Quoted from the source shown, not written for FLAPSS.
A new administration here in the US.
A new TV series.
Self-discipline.
Someone else to write my books.
A sense of purpose.
A potion that would make me fit, thin, healthy and useful.
More money. Sounds terrible, but money is the energy of change.
If someone could answer my emails.
Another radio hit.
A spreadsheet that, taking into account all other people’s experiences, makes it absolutely clear that I do have enough sex.
The UK voting for us to stay in Europe on 23 June.
Slightly longer arms.
I have the invisibility of a middle-aged woman. I live in Brighton, and feel for the first time in my life that I belong. My kids are safe, my husband’s in a good place and we have a roof over our head: I can’t imagine needing more than that.
To see a united Labour party.
Ten more closets: I am a hoarder.
A more even mood.
Uninterrupted sleep.
Not drinking alcohol.
To be able to cycle from my home in Chiswick [west London] to the centre of London on a fully segregated lane.
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