Serena Williams
United States professional tennis player, 1995–2022
My mom and dad. They always encouraged me to keep spiritual things first.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
Question
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Identity & self
Question
When were you happiest?
Time & hindsight
Question
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Values & belief
Question
What do you value most in your friends?
Relationships
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.
I most admire Steve Sondheim, who is not alive anymore. But his words and music keep him alive.
Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, April 2025 source ↗
Others on this question
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Hayley Squires
English actress and playwright
Two friends who work for the NHS, Jason and Kate. One is a paramedic and one has been moved to work in an ICU.
Vicky McClure
English actress
Paul Irons, the deputy head at my school, Fernwood comprehensive. He was an inspiration, and still is.
Gabby Giffords. She’s a survivor of gun violence and a relentless champion of sensible gun safety measures.
More from Bernadette Peters
View profile →A peaceful, joyous time in the world…or in my head.
I have a lot to be grateful for, but right now, being married. Having time to be with my husband and his children. I feel very grateful.
People’s need to feel superior to others. All it does is cause judgment and hate.
Honesty, trustworthiness, and a deep understanding of emotions.
More on values & belief
- What is the trait you most deplore in others? 197 answers
- What is something everyone in your world agrees about that you think is wrong? 79 answers
- What are you unwilling to optimise? 30 answers
- What have you come to understand about what it means to be human? 14 answers
- What is the most overrated virtue? 10 answers
- What do you need to believe in order to get through the day? 9 answers
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