Paulus Hochgatterer: "Free will is a piece of illusion"

Paulus Hochgatterer’s new novel Mio oder die Unsterblichkeit explores profound philosophical questions through the life of its protagonist, Ingemar, a sixteen-year-old suffering from spinal muscular atrophy. The book delves into the nature of free will, the limits of human agency, and the tension between individual autonomy and fate. In a recent interview with the Kurier, Hochgatterer described free will as “a piece of illusion,” suggesting that many decisions, especially those concerning life and death, are shaped more by external forces than by personal choice. The story follows Ingemar, who refuses to take a life-extending medication despite being diagnosed with a rare, degenerative neurological condition. His name, Ingemar, is noted as a humorous irony, given his inability to move due to the disease. He refers to himself as “Krüppel” and exhibits a cynical attitude toward life, which Hochgatterer describes as a form of teenage rebellion rather than a direct reflection of real-life experiences. While Ingemar does not have a direct model in Hochgatterer’s clinical work, the character represents a broader group of adolescents with physical disabilities who navigate daily challenges with resilience and defiance. Central to the narrative is a cat named Mio, whose presence serves as a symbol of the physical body and its limitations. Hochgatterer explains that the cat embodies the tangible, material aspects of existence, contrasting with abstract notions of identity or consciousness. This motif underscores the novel’s central theme: how individuals interact with their bodies and the world around them. The cat’s role highlights the importance of the physical realm in shaping human experience, offering a counterpoint to the intellectual and emotional dimensions explored throughout the story. Hochgatterer, who works as both a writer and a youth psychiatrist, has encountered numerous young patients with similar conditions during his career. However, he clarifies that Ingemar is not based on any specific case. Instead, the character stands as an archetype representing the struggles of teenagers with severe disabilities. These young people often face complex social and emotional challenges, navigating a world that frequently overlooks their capabilities. Through Ingemar, Hochgatterer seeks to illuminate the internal conflicts and external pressures faced by such individuals. The novel draws inspiration from Astrid Lindgren’s classic children’s book Mio, mein Mio. Hochgatterer recalls reading the book as a child and how it left a lasting impression on him. The story of Mio, a small cat who becomes a beloved companion, resonates with themes of companionship, loyalty, and the quiet strength found in simple relationships. While the novel diverges significantly from the original, the influence of Lindgren’s work is evident in the emotional depth and narrative structure of Mio oder die Unsterblichkeit. In discussing Ingemar’s character, Hochgatterer acknowledges the teenager’s sharpness and resistance to being treated gently. He notes that adolescence often involves a rejection of authority and a desire for independence, traits that Ingemar displays in his interactions with caregivers and peers. Despite his harsh demeanor, Ingemar forms a unique bond with two young men who assist him daily. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared understanding of the challenges they face. This dynamic illustrates how even difficult personalities can find common ground in moments of vulnerability and connection. The novel’s title, Mio oder die Unsterblichkeit, hints at the existential questions it raises. Is mortality an inevitable part of life, or can one achieve a kind of immortality through meaning, memory, or impact? As Ingemar grapples with these issues, the story unfolds as both a personal journey and a meditation on the human condition. Through his portrayal of a physically limited yet intellectually vibrant protagonist, Hochgatterer invites readers to reconsider the boundaries between freedom and determinism, self and society, and life and legacy.