What is your most marked characteristic? While I am not supremely talented at anything, I tend to be strongly competent at the things into which I put time and energy.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My friendships and my research.
When and where were you happiest? The summer after my last year in college. I felt like I had been very successful in college and furthermore, I was busy doing research, which I enjoyed and was excited about pursuing as a career.
What is your greatest regret? A couple of missed opportunities.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Good loving relationships with friends and family and doing work that inspires myself and others.
What is your most treasured possession? My various computers: they are home to my creative endeavors and a chronicle of my life through writings, emails and this website.
Where would you like to live? In a co-op for scientists and musicians and artists.
What is your greatest fear? Death of an immediate family member.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Sometimes I'm too shy and/or nervous.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Dishonest evaluation of past actions, lack of respect, lack of empathy.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Since I first answered these questions eight years ago, I've said material wealth. The more I read and learn, the more steadfastly I stand behind this answer.
What is your greatest extravagance? All of the electronics I own and have owned.
What is your favorite journey?
Life. A life can be a work of art. I love reading about and intersecting with others' journeys and I challenge myself to think at larger, longer scales about my own.
What is it that you most dislike? Coming face to face with my shortcomings.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Shared sense of humor. Easy to be around and befriend. Deep thinker.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Shared sense of humor. Easy to be around and befriend. Deep thinker.
What do you most value in your friends? Shared interests, loyalty, mutual respect.
If you were to come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? A bristlecone pine tree.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A great trumpet player, or maybe a piano player!
How would you like to die? In my sleep, after an evening with loved ones.