People often ask me whether these stories are true. I can be brief on that point. Most of the events actually took place. Others could have taken place. And yet others happen every day, without anyone even noticing them. What could be more enjoyable than observing people in their natural environment? I’m happy to leave it up to the reader to decide where reality ends and imagination begins. Freedom, especially freedom of thought, is invaluable, even if it turns out in hindsight to have been an illusion. Be honest: how free are you within the web of social obligations and natural instincts? Are you the protagonist in your own life, or merely an extra?