What is your idea of perfect happiness? Being with those that I love, and they have no problems.

What is your greatest fear? Pain of any sort.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Cowardice.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Selfishness.

Which living person do you most admire? Nelson Mandela.

What is your greatest extravagance? Time wasting.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Virtuousness.

On what occasion do you lie? Whenever my mouth is open.

What do you dislike most about your appearance? My waistline.

Which living person do you most despise? That is the easiest question: Mugabe.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?“F—k you!” and “F—k me!”

What or who is the greatest love of your life? Kristina, and all my children and grandchildren.

When and where were you happiest? This morning in bed.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My modesty.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Becoming 80.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? Who said I am going to die?

Where would you like to live? I am there already.

What is your most treasured possession? My wife.

What is your favorite occupation? I have it, but I would rather be a doctor of medicine.

What is your most marked characteristic? My sickening charm.

What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty.

Who are your favorite writers? Josephine Hart, William Buckley, James Clavell, Jeffrey Archer, and Taki.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Rhett Butler.

Which historical figure do you most identify with? Richard the Lion-Hearted.

What is it that you most dislike? Intolerance and any form of bigotry.

What is your greatest regret? I didn’t work with David Lean.

How would you like to die? I have no intention of doing so!

What is your motto? “Do unto others … etc.”