Axel Munthe Answers

If the goal (editor: for the future of Western culture) is human happiness, we’re on the wrong track!

On one occasion Munthe answered questions from journalists.

- Which characteristic in a person do you value most?
- Courage!

- Which fault is easiest for you to accept in a person?
- All of them!

- Which characteristic do you think is easiest to help achieve so-called success in life?
- Rudeness!

- What would make you happiest?
- A fast death without doctors!

- The worst tragedy?
- To lack a sense of humour!

- What do you think abut the future of Western culture?
- If the goal is human happiness, we are on the wrong track!

- What invention in human history do you think has had the greatest importance?
- Wine, Leonardo da Vinci’s ”Divino liquore”, drink of the gods!

- Do you have religious beliefs, and in which case what do you believe in?
- I believe in God but am uncertain about immortality!

- What do you think are the fundamental conditions for a happy marriage?
- To be able to forgive!

- Which person in history would you put first, and why?
- Saint Francis of Assisi!

- Which work of art has had the greatest impression on you?
- The Parthenon friezes!

- Name five of your favourite books?
- The Bible, Dante, Shakespeare, Cervantes and Goethe!

- What is your favourite flower?
- Lily of the Valley!

- Your favourite colour?
- Heavenly blue!

- Your favourite animal?
- My old dog!

- Your favourite sport?
- Walking!

- What weather and what season do like most?
- Spring!

- What is your favourite food and drink?
- Apple cake, lingonberry jam, and wine from my vineyard!

- Your hobby?
- Singing Schubert for myself!

- Your motto?
- Live unafraid, trust in life!

(From ”Biktboken”, edited by Ellen Berg, Stockholm, Åhlén & Åkerlund 1934)

Anders Lindström