In July 2005, we started “The Last Word,” a column in which locals answer questions about themselves. It was patterned after Vanity Fair’s The Proust Questionnaire – which had its origins in a parlor game popularized by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that an individual reveals his or her true nature in answering these questions.
Justin Witkin
Inweekly, 12/1/2005
When legendary Trader Jon’s Navy memorabilia was in danger of being sold off bit by bit on eBay, who stepped in? Justin Witkin and his Gulf Breeze law firm partners, Bryan Aylstock and William Sasser, made sure Trader Jon’s would live on, buying the $2 million worth of military memorabilia collected by famous Pensacola bar owner Martin Weismann, aka Trader Jon. Witkin talks about attorneys’ long hours, learning to play the guitar and being a soccer coach.
What is your greatest fear?
A society where people stop thinking for themselves, where rational discussion and civil exchange end, and where the free exchange of information, upon which a democratic society is founded, is abolished, curtailed or manipulated. A society where I fear for the welfare of my children.
What is the trait you most deplore?
Dishonesty and a lack of integrity.
Which person do you most admire?
There is not one person. I admire people who have the courage to express themselves, even when their views are unpopular. I admire people that have the courage to stand up for what is right, even when the crowd is sitting down. I admire people that are able to overcome class, society, politics and other barriers in pursuit of their goals and dreams. I admire people that sacrifice to give their children the opportunity to succeed in their chosen path. I admire people that make a positive difference in the lives of their friends, neighbors and community.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Time. Every so often, a very rare so often, I will take some time where I just do nothing. There are so many things happening at work, with my family, with our country, that taking time out from all of it becomes a real guilty pleasure.
What is your favorite journey?
I really liked “A Wheel in the Sky” – off the “Infinity” album.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
I’m a big believer in action speaking louder than words – so, at least in some cases, “talk is cheap.” (I know, ironic coming from a lawyer).
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Honey, it’s your turn to change the diaper.”
When and where are you most comfortable?
At home with my family.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Artistic – to draw, paint, play an instrument as only those who are “born with it” can.
What is your current state of mind?
I worked until 2:30 a.m., my 1-year-old decided that 3:30 a.m. would be a good time to wake up for the morning and I was back at work at 7:30 a.m. Hmmmm … delirious?
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Marrying up (still not sure how I got her to fall for me) and bringing (OK, technically watching my wife bring) my two kids into this world.
What do you consider your greatest failure?
I have been trying to learn to play the guitar for years – if I ever play for you, the answer will be pretty obvious.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Having nobody to care for and that cares for you in return – to truly be alone in the world without anyone to share your hopes, fears, achievements and failures.
What is your dream job?
Coaching soccer at the high school or college level.
What is your most striking characteristic?
My forehand is decent but my backhand needs a lot of work. Seriously? Probably my calmness – the ability to deal with many disparate things simultaneously without losing my cool.
What is the quality you most like in other people?
Intelligence and honesty.
What do you most value in friends?
As the saying goes: “The best boat is your friend’s boat.” Know anyone with a nice boat?
What do you most dislike?
As a big Seminole fan, I guess I would have to start with the Hurricanes (since I went to law school at Florida, I have to give them a pass). After that, I’m not too fond of brussels sprouts, long waits in doctor’s offices, tax time, 5:30 a.m. flights, the traffic on Davis Highway, and, of course, hurricanes. Too many?
What have you learned in life?
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side” and “Walk a mile in my shoes” ring very true. The point being to make the very most out of whatever you have, whatever situation you are in; and find joy and happiness where you are, instead of making yourself unhappy longing for something else.
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