What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting in a living room with my sister, Pat Thaler, and her seven grandchildren and just talking with them. They range in age from 9 to 21 years old. What is your current state of mind?
At age 88, I wake up every morning and say to myself, “Well, I’m still in New York. Thank you, God.” What is your greatest fear?
Of choking on some food and having no one nearby to do the Heimlich maneuver. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Harry Truman, Fiorello La Guardia. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
A willingness to go with my gut feeling, rather than wait a day and contemplate other options. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Disloyalty. What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Sun damage on my face and head. Which living person do you most despise?
Former president Jimmy Carter. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“He’s a genius.” What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Collectively, the seven grandchildren of my sister, Pat. When and where were you happiest?
At City Hall, conducting the affairs of the city and providing services to more than seven million New Yorkers. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would like to be more accepting of the faults of others. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Serving as mayor of New York City for 12 years and bringing it back to being the greatest city on earth. What is your most treasured possession?
Two small jade horses I purchased in China in a Friendship Store for $175, back in 1979. What is your favorite occupation?
Writing. What is your most marked characteristic?
Candor. Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Doc Savage, man of bronze, who was very popular during my adolescent years. What is it that you most dislike?
Walking on ice or snow in the winter, particularly now that I use a cane. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
A major political leader here in the U.S. How would you like to die?
In my sleep, without pain. What is your motto?
“How’m I doing?”