Acknowledgements

I thank my teachers, mentors, and trainers. Through sharing their knowledge and experience, they have continually challenged me to grow and to take yet another step forward in the unfolding of my personality. I thank my parents for their love and support and for not preventing me from following my own path.

For their help in preparing the manuscript, I thank the friends who repeatedly provided me with feedback during the writing process and who devoted themselves intensively to the emerging work – especially: Marion Kränzle, Uwe Sommerschuh, and Jürgen Woita. Fabian Ng Chin Yue gave the book an individual and appealing visual identity through his illustrations.

Finally, Jan Eschrich, through his exceptional dedication, ensured that this child of my thoughts was actually able to see the light of day.

My heartfelt thanks to you all!