I belonged to the generation that grew up under National Socialism, and was blinded and led astray - and allowed itself to be led astray.

As a child I was a great liar. Fortunately my mother liked my lies. I promised her marvelous things.

After the collapse of socialism, capitalism remained without a rival. This unusual situation unleashed its greedy and - above all - its suicidal power. The belief is now that everything - and everyone - is fair game.

I have often supported Israel, I have often visited the country and want the country to exist and at last find peace with its neighbours.

What makes books - and with them writers - so dangerous that church and state, politburos and the mass media feel the need to oppose them?

I have found that words that are loaded with pathos and create a seductive euphoria are apt to promote nonsense.

It makes me realise that the fantasy of nature is much larger than my own fantasy. I still have things to learn.