Contrary to what the young might believe, the older one gets, the more absurd life seems. Perhaps, in the end, all appears surreal. Along the way one may find existence tragic, but often also humorous.A recent example has just been provided by German discount giant Schwarz Group. Here we have the amusing spectacle of a retailer posting nearly €80bn in annual net revenues characterised by Teutonic efficiency and a strict hierarchy who are becoming increasingly pally.A "preference" has now been expressed from on high that staff at its Lidl and Kaufland subsidiaries only use first names in future. Officially, everyone has a choice, but doubtless in the traditions of old this will be the end of all surnames within both companies.The new everyone-is-my-best-buddy policy follows a similar wish from the c-suite that no ties are worn at the workplace. In a fresh break with taboo, this has just been accompanied by an expression of desire that all Lidl and Kaufland employees use the informal "Du" rather than "Sie" when addressing each other, regardless of rank. Now where will all this lead?