Book 25 Duncan Fraser reads:

This is a first for me—my first revue of a digital book. No paper, no shelf, just a download. At 81, I’m still learning, and I suppose that’s the point.

I chose this book after watching a podcast discussing the manipulation of currencies around the world. What struck me was the speaker’s ability to explain a complex and often confusing subject in a way I could at least partially understand. I’ve included a link at the end for those who are curious.

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The author herself maintains a very private presence in the digital space, which I found both interesting and fitting given the subject matter.

As I read, I found echoes of earlier thinkers like Edmund Burke and Francis Bacon—particularly in their reflections on truth.

There’s a line from Bacon that has stayed with me:

“What is truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer.”

It speaks to something I recognize in myself—and perhaps in our times. We ask the question, but we rarely stay long enough to truly consider the answer.

And then there is John Milton, who argued that truth is not fragile. In Areopagitica, he suggests that truth grows stronger when it is tested, challenged, and openly debated.

That idea connects directly with what I took from this book.

The book itself offers worthwhile insights, although at times I found its tone somewhat self-serving. That said, the usefulness of an idea does not disappear simply because of how it is presented.

The most valuable takeaway for me was simple:

Slow down and think.

The author describes six ways—or “eyes”—to look at any issue:

• The eye of attention
• The eye of emotion
• The eye of framing
• The eye of structure
• The eye of contrast
• The eye of integrity

Her premise is that by deliberately examining a situation through multiple lenses, we can arrive at a clearer and more balanced understanding.

I can’t yet say whether applying these ideas will lead me to better conclusions. That will take time and practice.

But I can say this—I am willing to try.

And that, in itself, is a step forward.

Reference video:
https://youtu.be/XVYMdFuBJts

Footnote: I used Ai to edit my grammer and spelling.