“50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind”
You can call this a byproduct of boredom. It’s a fun questionnaire, though.
1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
I’m always mistaken for seventeen or eighteen. So, I guess that would be my answer.
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Failing is very vexing and humiliating, but never trying is just grossly pathetic.
3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?
There are so many different ways to answer that question; financial insufficiencies, health restrictions, social obstacles, personal fears, emotional inadequacies, religious barriers. I could go on and on. I think another problem is that too many of us see ourselves as immortal and take for granted the presumption that there’s always tomorrow.
4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?
Unfortunately, I think so. I’ve always said that I was someone whose aspirations surpass their abilities.
5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?
I would sacrifice myself to change the collective apathy, complacency, and egocentricity of mankind.
6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?
Humanitarianism.
7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
I am welcoming every opportunity that comes my way. It’s not my fault if they’re so few and far between.
8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
I guess I would become more tenacious about bringing my goals to fruition.
9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?
I would say about 37%.
10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
I’m more concerned with doing things right.
11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?
I defend her unapologetically and without hesitation.
12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?
Just be good and have a mind of your own.
13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?
God, yes.
14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?
Consistently!
15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
Think.
16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?
“A fool’s paradise is a wise man’s hell.” Life is all about compromise. And no one is entitled to their own happiness.
17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back?
I really want to go to college. I’m just stuck in this hindering abyss I call my life. For more elaboration, see question three, use your logic, and mind the plight of the working class.
18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Yes. The past and the anger it incites.
19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?
Salem, Massachusetts, because it’s been calling out to me since I was a child. Or Puerto Rico, because I hear the people there are communally wonderful.
20. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?
No, I don’t and I don’t. Once is enough.
21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
I would prefer to have my share of worry and joy as whatever I am now.
22. Why are you, you?
Because of my past, the choices I’ve made and the people I’ve come to know.
23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?
I hope so.
24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?
Losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you.
25. What are you most grateful for?
Life and everything it brings.
26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
Lord, that’s a difficult question to answer! If I had to choose between the two, I couldn’t.
27. Is it possible to know the truth without challenging it first?
If it’s truth, then there’s no harm in challenging it.
28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?
Not yet.
29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now?
Yes, I do. And it shouldn’t, should it?
30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special?
31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?
32. If not now, then when?
When I can make it happen.
33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?
I have nothing to lose. It’s just not in my cards right now.
34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?
No, but that sounds heavenly.
35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?
It could be because the people who follow those regions have too much hate in their hearts.
36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?
Even the devil was once an angel.
37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?
God, no! I would follow my plan, work the rest of my life, and never retire.
38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?
More work I actually enjoy doing.
39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
No. Every day is new, but not every day is eventful.
40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?
I like to think I’m marching now. It’s dark, though. So I’m marching in circles.
41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?
My grandparents would be the first two; my mother and siblings would be next; and then I would invite as many people as possible to one large area where I could visit with them all.
42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?
No.
43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?
“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” Carl Jung.
Live for more than just yourself; that’s when you’ll truly be living.
44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and reward and just go ahead and do what you know is right?
Yesterday.
45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?
Because our persecutors so often overreact.
46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
I would probably be goofier.
47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?
Every night I find myself wakeful.
48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?
Helping people. Yes.
49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?
I remember almost everything, so probably.
50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?
I’m making the ones I can right now.
