50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

It’s difficult to say. Some days I feel like I’m old, and some days I still feel like a kid. It really depends on the situation, I suppose.

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

I think never trying is worse. If you don’t try, you don’t have a chance to succeed. At least if you fail, you learn from your mistakes.

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?

We do things we don’t like because we have to. I’m not sure what “like so many things we don’t do” really means — does it mean hobbies or interests we don’t have time to do?

4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

I’d say they would be about equal. I don’t typically say I will do something and then end up not doing it. Sometimes I just do things without saying I’ll do them.

5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

I wish people were more accepting. That doesn’t mean everyone has to agree — just accept that people are different, and embrace the differences.

6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Anything art-related.

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

I live my life doing what I think is right, and what I believe.

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I guess I’d do things a lot more quickly.

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

This is a tough one. While I believe you’re in control of your life in regard to the decisions you make, I also believe that there are things thrown at you in which you have no control. For example, you can make an effort to work hard and do your best, but you can’t really control something like layoffs due to a poor economy.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

I think I’m more concerned about doing the right things. Even if I don’t do the right things correctly, at least I’ve made an effort.

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 would speak up and defend my friend. First of all, I don’t think distasteful and unjustified criticism is beneficial at all — even if it’s toward a complete stranger. Secondly, I’m a devoted friend and would defend him or her because they’re my friend.

12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t take crap from anyone.

13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Yes.

14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

I kind of see insanity and creativity the same way — I think they come from similar parts of the brain.

15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

I type with my fingers on the wrong keys. It’s a really weird method, but I know exactly where all of the letters are, and can type something like 80 WPM.

16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

Because everyone is different. Everyone finds happiness in different things. That’s what makes us unique.

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What’s holding you back?

I haven’t traveled nearly as much as I would like. What’s holding me back is money, really. I can’t afford to travel, and it depresses me.

18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

Yes. I won’t get into it, though.

19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

I’d move to Seattle, Washington.

20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

No, I only push it once. I also only push the crosswalk buttons once.

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

I’ll go with ‘worried genius’ because I’m already a worry-wort. Being a genius would be an added bonus.

22. Why are you, you?

I am me because my family allowed me to be me. I’ve never been told to do anything differently. I’ve always been encouraged to express myself and follow my dreams.

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

I think so. I think I’m a fairly good friend.

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

I think losing touch with a good friend who lives right near me is worse. I’ve had that happen, and it’s really saddening.

25. What are you most grateful for?

My family.

26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

I’d rather lose all of my old memories, because never being able to make new ones means I would have to stop living.

27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

I think the truth makes itself clearer if it’s contrasted against lies.

28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?

Not yet.

29. Do you remember a time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now?

I remember several times when I was extremely upset. And in a way, it does matter now.

30. What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?

I have a lot of happy memories from my childhood. My favourite memories seem to revolve around listening to records with my family.

31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

I’m not particularly sure I’ve felt that way in the recent past. That’s a bit sad, isn’t it?

32. If not now, then when?

Er…later?

33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

Nothing. Except maybe money.

34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

I feel like that all the time.

35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

Because people always have to defend what they believe in, and I don’t see why anyone should have to defend beliefs at all. You should be able to believe whatever you want to believe.

36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

Isn’t ‘good’ and ‘evil’ really in the eye of the beholder?

37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

Probably not. Money runs out eventually.

38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

I’d rather have more work I enjoy doing. I like staying busy.

39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

Yes. Holy crap, yes.

40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

Isn’t this basically creativity in a nutshell? Taking an idea and giving it a go whether or not it works?

41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

My mum.

42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

No way. I’m fine being an average-looking nobody.

43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

Truly living is enjoying your life — whatever that entails.

44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

I think it’s always time to go ahead and do what is right. It may have short-term downfalls, but feeling like you did the right thing feels pretty good.

45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

Because failing is still painful. It’s a learning experience, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.

46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

I’m not really sure. I guess I’d leave the house without makeup on. I know, that sounds really petty.

47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

Very often, recently. Winter has not been good for my asthma.

48. What do you love?  Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

I love my family. I love art, I love music, I love animals, I love my friends. I’d like to think I live my life expressing my love for all of these things.

49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday?  What about the day before that?  Or the day before that?

It depends on the day. I also have a very vivid memory, so I do remember the mundane things as much as I remember the exciting things.

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’d like to think I’m making my own decisions. I suppose there’s a bit that’s out of my control, but for the most part I think I’ve got the wheel.