Franz at age 18. In school he was a very good student; nevertheless he was always terrified of failing. "I remained convinced that I would not pass my final examinations that year, and if I did, I would not get on in the next class, and if by some swindle I could avoid even that, then I would certainly fail decisively in my graduation examination." The truth was, however, that he didn't even come close to flunking out.