Oskar Negt's autobiographical search for traces, which he has described so impressively and movingly in "Überlebensglück," now finds its continuation in the second part. Negt has come to terms with his refugee existence and has issued himself a certificate of rootedness with his Oldenburg high school diploma. As a young man, Negt embarks on a journey of thought at the University of Frankfurt. Many of his peers do the same. The lectures by Adorno, Horkheimer, and Habermas are packed, even though they take place in an old, half-destroyed, and cold biology lecture hall. Particularly Horkheimer's lecture style captivates the students, as he has the ability to extract a rational core from even the most far-fetched questions posed by his audience, encouraging many to engage in philosophical discussions. Negt's years of study culminate in an assistantship with Jürgen Habermas. During this time, he steps forward.