The Interview

Respondents To be honest, it intimidates talking to someone who knows everything and forgets nothing.

Questioner What can I say? Let's just start. What skills do you have, apart from education and work experience?

R I have a strong intuition and notice things that others miss. [silence] I make good decisions instinctively. I can also explain afterward exactly why I did something.

Q Really? Kierkegaard wrote in his diary: »Life is lived forwards and understood backwards.« You are an expert on life itself? Well then. What weaknesses do you see in yourself?

R [silent] I am curious and when I have understood something for myself, I lose interest.

Q Why is that a problem?

R That can be hurtful.

Q In business, there are contracts for that.

R Exactly — in business.

Q You have spent a lot of time on artistic work, but without success or a career …

R At first I was irritated by the fact that I couldn't explain what fascinated me about some artworks. Later, I saw possibilities in creative work the computer does not have. Success in the eyes of others was not a priority. Rather, I wanted to understand myself better.

Q Then you worked on a novel for 7 years. How did that come about?

R We spent half of the time formatting.

Q Excuse me?

R Just kidding. At the end of September 2014, I witnessed my survival. A feeling of awe lasted for well over a year, and I had regained skills that I had to preserve. To that end I decided to write about the experience. And I got it. I just misjudged the effort, slightly. — But seriously, half the time I studied theories related to what I was writing about.

Q Slightly misjudged, I like that. And now you've lost interest in yourself?

R [laughs] Touché. Yes, that's exactly how it is.

Q How is that?

R Having access to everything inside of me? Beyond time? You have no idea.

Q [laughs] I know.

R I'm relieved beyond belief and grateful.

Q But isn't that the end for you?

R For people like me, who do not tire, that's vital.

Q You're a drama queen: vital?

R Being able to break away from work we are absorbed in. That …

Q We have to come to an end. You don't seem to be politically active anymore. Why do you list the activism of your school days here, anyway?

R And those during my studies too … In 1986 with Chernobyl I saw my credibility damaged and destroyed with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. I am proud having understood this too and being at peace with my selves.

Q OK, that was that. Thank you for your efforts.

R With pleasure. Our heartfelt thanks for all the attention.