Questionnaire by Jean-Michel Roberts

What's your favorite number?

42 (see the Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy).

Who do you most want to impress?

Myself, I guess. Coming second is probably Élodie. I like impressing people but I think I try to do it in a more subtle way now. It's better for people to stumble by themselves on something I'm proud of. As time passes by, maybe I'm just becoming less of a show-off. I hope I am.

What time do you get up?

10 seconds to 2 hours after I wake up.

Would you like to be a member of a court jury?

Yes, why wouldn't I? It's an occasion to contribute to justice being done (or try to).

Which of your possessions do you least care about?

Wow, there are lots. Random pick: cloth hangers in my closet?

Would you buy a Van Gogh?

No, except for the symbolic buck. Owning the picture is far less nice than summoning it easily to mind, which just means you saw it (ideally stood before the original) and love it. And I really like Van Gogh.

Would you spend a vacation in Germany?

Definitely. Germany's a cool place.

Who is the latest person you wanted to kill?

I never really wanted to kill anyone.

Do you prefer little girls or little boys?

Little boys. I have three nephews I love, but just one niece (who I spent far less time with so far), plus a great godson. So I guess I'm biased. I think with boys, I feel like I can play big brother, the guy role model.

At what age did you become old?

I don't think it happened yet!

Is there a place where you would be incapable of making love?

Any religious place where it would go against the beliefs of those that could see us, I guess.

Do you need both hands to count your friends?

Yes.

Do you save money?

Finally, yes! Boy, it took long enough, but there, it's happening.

What smell bothers you most?

Burning. Probably because not only is it incomfortable, but it also means danger.

Would you accept the Légion d'Honneur?

This is France's highest civil decoration.

It's now offered to just about anybody, for just about any reason. It's a politician's dog biscuit. As a symbol, it is fading. In truth, I don't know whether I'd accept it. It would depend on why it's offered.

Are you a sweet tooth or do you prefer salty food?

Sweet tooth!

Would you gladly wear glasses?

I do wear glasses, and I rather like it.

What is the most absurd job you would have liked to have?

There are quite certainly absurd jobs, but… Wait, yes, there's helicopter hangar floorscleaner. With a regular broom, that is. But I'd hate it. How can anyone like an absurd job?

Who do you most easily lie to?

To myself. Probably too easily.

Do you prefer John Lennon or Paul Mac Cartney?

I haven't listened to them enough to say.

Which body part would you touch first on someone?

With a man, shoulders or arms. With a woman, hands or back.

Would you setup a dinner where there wouldn't be any talk of you?

Definitely. Not so long ago, though, I think I had too much ego for that.

Do you get enough gifts?

I'm sure.

What do you need most to fall asleep?

Being sleepy.

Would you write under a pseudonym?

If my survival relied on this compromise, then yes.

Under torture, whose name would you let go first?

If mine was among those, then mine. Otherwise… I just don't know.

Would you adopt a child?

Yes.

Have you ever judged your parents?

Oh yes. Quite often. Just to see what to perpetuate and what to avoid.