What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Gentility

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My beard, but it’s got accustomed to my face

What do you fear the most?
That the world will belong to the venal

Which talent would you most like to have?
Photographic memory

What is your greatest extravagance?
Spending time obsessively reading all manner of Sri Lankan news

On what occasion do you lie?
When asked intrusive personal questions

If you could eliminate one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be?
The inability to sing. Many bathroom doors have been bruised from the outside, as I’ve locked myself in for protection, while singing

What do you wish you had right now?
A guitar, that I knew to play, and the ability to sing to it. Assuming I am speaking to the Genie that came out of the lamp

Which historical figure do you admire most?
Jesus. That was easy.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to be able to fly. I think it should be possible for humans to fly: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is on to something when it says that the art of flying “lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss”. The book also notes that it is clearly “this second part, the missing, that presents the difficulties”. Perhaps it is like learning to ride a bicycle.

What is your motto?
“We will find a way, or we will make one”

When was the last time you tried something new, and what was it?
Two years ago, I jumped off a sheer mountain cliff in Southern France. Literally. Happily, I succeeded in missing the ground. It’s called paragliding.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Stretch

When you’re 90 years old, what will matter most to you?
My eyesight and hearing. It would be terrible if I can’t read novels or watch films

What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
That long engagements lead to disengagement; if learning means not repeating it, then I have not
learnt it yet

What was your favourite food as a child?
Bacon. My aunts say it was bacon

What inspires you?
People who match their convictions with courage

What do you think has been the strength behind your success?
The invisible hand of providence