The Peacemaker

Abstract

This chapter looks at the dialogue between Die Zeit and Alexander Kluge wherein they talk about Kluge's book The Devil's Blind Spot (2004). The book is not really about the devil, but about the process of enlightenment. Kluge identifies two types of stories. One type points to absolutely nothing; they are monads. The others are maps. When stories are laid on top of each other like maps, cross-mapping occurs. Zeit and Kluge also discusses the concept of “antiliterature.” Kluge mentions that there is something lacking in literature today and there is too much of something else. When asked if he ever thinks retrospectively what God would have to do in order to save a person, he claimed that he leans more toward the belief that there is a God who does not look after humanity. Kluge then explains the reconciliation of poetry and science. Poetry is concentrated emotion. It can either tell a story or contain thoughts. As a lawyer, Kluge uses his reason; as a storyteller, he relies on the powers of his emotions.