7. What is the best quality you've inherited from either of your parents? This is particularly interesting at a family gathering when people know the parents you're talking about. It's also a bit of a bonding experience, speaking favorably about your parents. 8. From which person have you learned most in your life? This is another uplifting, positive topic of conversation that usually gets people talking. 9. Which historical figures do you most identify with? This lets you know something about the other people around you it also opens up discussion of the events these historical figures were involved in. Yes, potentially it takes you into dangerous waters of politics and religion but people usually take this question in the spirit of fun in which it's meant, so potentially awkward moments are easily averted.