This is a generic questionnaire version such as can be used in a random national sample. For additional questions targeting specifically public figures (as in this book's study of city elites), see chapter 5, note 6.

• 1. Describe who you are professionally today. What made you choose this professional path?

• 2. Describe major stages of your career. Was it easy to arrive at your present position? If not, why not?

• 3. Generally, do you consider yourself a successful person?

• 4. Describe some of your major successes and failures so far (professionally or otherwise).

• 5. What else would you like to achieve in life

• 6. Have you changed over the years? What was the nature of these changes?

• 7. [If changes indicated] What do you think has caused these changes?

• 8. Describe yourself as a person today. Who are you, first and foremost? Are there some values or traits that define you?

• 9. Are there some lasting principles or precepts you abide by? What are they?

• 10. How do you think you have arrived at your present place—psychologically, morally and spiritually? In particular, who and what events influenced you the most?

• 11. How do your principles make a difference in your professional life? And in other areas of life?

• 12. Have you always been faithful to your principles?

• 13. Have you ever made moral compromises? Why? (Give examples). If not, why not?