The foundations for my thinking and work were laid at the University of Siegen, where I had the privilege of experiencing the end of a truly golden age. First and foremost, I would like to mention Helmut Kreuzer (1927-2004), whose foresight, sensitivity to topics, and scientific liberalism have always impressed me. Working for him was an honor. I also thank Peter Seibert and Helmut Heinze for their excellent education, and Burkhard Schaeder for a single sentence in my first semester that has guided my entire studies. The thinking of Siegfried J. Schmidt greatly influenced many of my academic interests during my late years in Siegen. It was no easy challenge to reconcile what I heard there with the knowledge of theologians, philosophers, and business economists.