One of the more extraordinary moments of my working life was when I was asked in some irritation by a German colleague – who wanted to cut some corners – »Aber bist du nicht zu Prinzipien-treu?« (But aren't you being too true to principle?) To which I replied on the spur of the moment, »Was ist das Leben ohne Prinzipien?« (What is life without principles?) I'm still not sure where that answer came from.
