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.
PAUL SNIDER
Inweekly, 4/13/2006
What is your greatest fear?
Failure to succeed
What is the trait you must deplore?
Dishonesty
Which person do you most admire?
My older brother, Harvey, who has been an excellent role model in how to have balance between family and a successful career.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Snow skiing once a year
What is your favorite journey?
Life
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience (since I have little)
Which words or phrase do you most overuse?
“In a minute” to my children
When and where are you most comfortable?
At home, with my wife and three boys
Which talent would you most like to have?
Ability to speak multiple foreign languages
What is your current state of mind?
Positive and optimistic
What do you consider your greatest failure?
Not playing varsity sports in high school (I was a late bloomer.)
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Extended sleep deprivation
What is your most striking characteristic?
Ability to remember names and faces
What is the quality you most like in other people?
Sincerity
What do you most dislike?
Bell peppers and tomatoes
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
I would like to spend more time with them.
What have you learned in life?
You only go around one time.
How would you like to die?
Sitting on the beach reading Sports Illustrated
What is your motto?
Do the best you can in everything you do.