Kitty Carlisle Hart

Here's the Hart of Manhattan— Kitty Carlisle Hart, who, for nearly 20 years, as chairwoman of the New York State Council on the Arts, has been the state's official good muse lady. This month, her inspiring mind focuses on V.F.'s Proust Questionnaire

Social Study

What is your favorite journey?

Going anywhere.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Good news from any serious medical test.

What is your greatest fear?

Fear.

Which living person do you most admire?

Brooke Astor.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My desire to please and be loved.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

An overweening desire to be loved and admired.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Moss Hart.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Losing Moss.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Entertaining.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Self -righteousness.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

"No kidding."

What is your greatest regret?

I don't have one.

On what occasion do you lie?

When I have no choice.

When and where were you happiest?

Now.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My children.

What is your most treasured possession?

My piano.

What is your favorite occupation?

Working.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Humor.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Loyalty.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Madame de Stael.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

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

Rosa Ponselle.

What is your motto?

"This too shall pass."