406 answers answered between 1985 and 2026 one of 25 in The Q&A
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
The Guardian's Q&A repeatedly uses this prompt, sometimes dropping 'living' while retaining the same comparative judgment.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
Public figures who have answered a question like this elsewhere. Quoted from the source shown, not written for FLAPSS.
Abraham Lincoln truly inspired me. It wasn't just the freeing of the slaves, he kept the Union together. Some people even forget that today. What I think inspired me was the fact that in spite of being the president of the United States he retained a certain down-to-earth quality. He never got to be a big shot, and he cared about people.
Nelson Mandela.
John Wooden, when he was the number one basketball coach in the world. He just said to the bottom five players, “You don't get to play. You're sparring partners.” The top seven did all the playing.
Geoffrey's widow, Alma.
The present Lady Wogan, for putting up with me for 46 years of marriage. The woman's a saint.
My sons for their bravery, and my daughter and daughters-in-law for being working mothers and always being able to make me laugh.
Maggie, my wife – for putting up with me.
Nelson Mandela. The epitome of courage and intelligence.
Desmond Tutu. If there is a God, He must find his Cape Town archbishop a big relief from the humourlessness of pontificating prelates.
Tony Benn, for moving to the left throughout his life rather than to the right.
Peyton Manning.
Sue Townsend, for creating Adrian Mole, her insight into people and for overcoming the problems she's had.
The Buddhist monk Tapa Snim I met in Burma in 2007, all of whose earthly possessions he carried in a small bundle slung on one shoulder.
My wife, Daniela. She is the bringer of joy and clarity, and she is very beautiful.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They are inspirational. They are going to take on a great responsibility and are preparing themselves for it.
Bill Clinton, I think he was a great president (who cares about his indiscretions?).
That's a hard one. All of the great writers whom I admire have died. I guess the most recent one would be Márquez.
My grandson, for taking such wonderful care of me in my old age.
None. Unfortunately, we are in an age of antiheroes.
All the people I work with, people like Anna Wintour and Bruce Weber.
Nobody has answered this one yet.