Bernard Pivot died last week at the honorable age of 89. He was a French journalist and host of cultural television programs and book talk shows, including the well-known “Apostrophes” and “Bouillon de Culture.”
Pivot helped millions of people, including me, discover authors, learn about the hidden stories behind their writing, and unveil their motivations. He was a stellar interviewer and knew how to get the best out of his guests—unlike others, he fully read their books before the interviews!
One of the fascinating parts of Bernard Pivot’s interviews during the “Apostrophes” period was the famous questionnaire he used to probe his guests’ true personalities at the end of every show episode.
He was the first modern interviewer inspired by Marcel Proust’s Questionnaire, developed in the early twentieth century. Proust’s version was a series of twenty questions written in a confession album—a parlor game popular among Victorians.
Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire version focused on just ten questions, the most relevant to our modern age.
I’ve always liked to use parts of it to get to know people better. I even used some of these during job interviews. However, these were more effective during team building or informal settings with friends or colleagues.
Here’s what it looks like, and as a bonus, here’s how I’ve answered it—yes, you get to know me better now!
What is your favorite word?
It’s a French word: tapis, which means carpet in English. I know it sounds odd, but it’s the first word I remember writing when I was about four. That must explain my affection for it.
What is your least favorite word?
It’s an English word: rural [ˈrʊrəl]. I have nothing against rural life, but as a French native, I cannot pronounce this word without twisting my tongue!
What is your favorite drug?
Running. It beats any artificial paradise. I get my dose of endorphins every other day, and it’s my way to get “high.”
What sound or noise do you love?
I love the sound of Ocean waves crashing on the beach. I live in Santa Cruz, California, just by the sea, and I love hearing that soothing sound from my bedroom at night.
What sound or noise do you hate?
I wouldn’t say I like crow caws. I’m probably too influenced by Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece “The Birds.” Yet, I can’t help but find it’s the least elegant noise a bird can make. I get that it’s their way of communicating, but I still feel chills when I hear three caws. That means “Danger!”
What is your favorite curse word?
The French word “Saperlipopette.” The closest English term would be “fiddlesticks” or “my goodness.” It’s an old-fashioned French exclamation, so you might argue it’s not cursing. But I discovered Saperlipopette as a kid when reading Tintin albums and find it an elegant interjection.
What profession other than your own would you not like to attempt?
I guess I wouldn’t like to be a social media influencer based in Dubai! I would have difficulty coping with my job’s superficiality, fakeness, and scammy nature. There might be exceptions; I haven’t found them yet.
Who would you like to see on a new banknote?
Eric Tabarly, my youth hero. He was a French Yachtsman who won several ocean races, such as the Ostar in 1964 and 1976, ending English domination in this specialty. He broke many records and contributed like no one else to developing nautical activities in France, inspiring an entire generation of ocean racers.
What would it be if you were reincarnated as another plant or animal?
A pelican. One of my most recurring dreams is flying, so I’d love to be a bird—but not a crow! What’s special about pelicans is that they don’t go alone and operate in patrols, brushing past ocean wave crests.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
“You had severe doubts. Now you know!”
Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire can do wonders as a conversation starter. Whether you use it with friends or colleagues, you’ll discover new aspects of people’s personalities and get to know them much better.
I sincerely thank Bernard Pivot for popularizing these questions in his interviews and being such a great ambassador for literature. He will be greatly missed.