Global Q&A: ‘What question do you ask yourself most often?’

Andy Lamb, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (The Epoch Times)

Most people ask themselves if they are on the correct path, fulfilling their purpose in life, or achieving their dreams. This is what Epoch Times reporters from California to France, discovered when they asked locals:

Los Angeles, California Lauri Burns, 48, Founder of The Teen Project Am I doing enough? Am I living up to what I am supposed to be? That is constant on me. People say to me all the time that “You do so much,” and it is like in comparison maybe to you, but I can’t compare me to you; it is like comparing an orange to an apple. I can only compare me to me, and I am always thinking, “Am I doing enough?” Because I know what I am doing, and know what I am capable of. Yeah, I don’t get much sleep, but am I doing enough? Am I doing the right thing? Am I on the right path? I want to know that it is all as it is supposed to be.

Paris, France Pablo Angeletti, 41, Rail Traffic Technician Actually, there are two questions I ask myself most often, first: What is the purpose of my life? I realized the answer appears during all life. My second question is: Will the human race be able to find the way to create a balanced and healthy society? Today, people have no thought to question themselves about their lives, and to question themselves about their relationship with all. In my opinion, the answer may be sought immediately. I really think the purpose of human life must be related with Gaïa—the concept of earth as a living being.

Norrköping, Sweden Linda Oprea, 21, Cleaner I often think about what I want to do with my life; what I would like to study, to work with, where I would like to live, what I would like to do. ... I often think about a lot of stuff that is related to my life. Maybe because I am not really satisfied with my life right now and there is big pressure today for the young people. ... My plan is to study to become a social worker at the university this autumn.

Athens, Greece Elena (Demetria) Chantzis, 25, Architect If what I do every moment is what I really want to be filled with, and if I could use more than the 10 percent of the brain that we usually use.

Bucharest, Romania Constanta Dumitriu, 70, Retired I don’t ask questions, I give myself direct answers. Why question? Life is beautiful; I am healthy; I am pleased with myself. I love myself and I love God.

Medellin, Colombia Angela Maria Delgado de Bedout, 56, Speech Pathologist The question I ask myself is about death: What is death? Where are we going? Why is it so unknown to man at all times in his life? Do we communicate with those loved ones in any way? Why is it that we do not hear them? Why is there no acceptance of death by us all? Why is there so much fear about it? Or do we truly disappear from this world?

Puerto Montt, Chile Juan Pablo Lizama, 21, Kinesiology Student I ask myself very often if there is anything missing in my life since I feel happy, but I’m curious if there is something more so that I can attain greater happiness.

Jundiaí, Brazil Andrea Bittencourt, 27, Masters Student I often wonder if I’m on the right path. This subject is toward what I do in my work that will shape my future.

Canary Islands, Spain Isabel Silveira, 40, Lawyer Well, there is not a specific question. In fact, I usually ask myself different questions. For example, if I behaved correctly in certain circumstances in my personal life, or at work, or sometimes asking myself about how I interact with other people. I think it’s normal since we are rational beings that we question ourselves about the way we are living, about what worries us, or even those things that make us happy. So asking this question makes me more conscious of all the things—I think this is fine since it’s a great practice for your personal improvement.

Lima, Peru Yany Cornejo, 42, Sales Executive The question I ask most often is usually at night. I wonder: How will tomorrow be? I do an analysis or evaluation of all I did during the day in my relationship with others, both in my work, and with friends and family. Every day for me is a new experience of life. … I can also make others better—accept ourselves as we are and reflect a lot of love to pass it on to others. Feeling sure of oneself, I think is the key.

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “Do you think it matters if companies or countries control the supply of oil?” The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.