"2024": Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): The New Frontier in the Battle for Privacy and Freedom

By Joe Martin

It seems we have not internalized the lessons of George Orwell's dystopian vision in “1984.” Now, forty years later, that terrifying notion is becoming a reality. Win, the fictional son of Winston Smith, experiences firsthand the horrors of the totalitarian system – a system that takes control of every aspect of daily life with sophisticated and cruel efficiency. A system that clutches each of us with a cold claw right now.

We all live in an illusion of freedom, but one that is increasingly curtailed. If we are not vigilant, we too could be enslaved for good, becoming functioning machines in a repressive and inhumane system of control. The year 2024 is not dystopian fiction, but an urgent warning: we must resist the plans of governments and powerful corporations that threaten our freedom.

While digitization offers incredible opportunities for humanity, it also poses dangers. It is our duty to ensure that no one – intentionally or unintentionally – abuses digitization as a modern ankle bracelet. An ankle bracelet that forces us onto the benches of a punishment gallery, where we have no choice but to row until we drop dead while being monitored seamlessly at every moment.

Under omnipresent surveillance and control, it is possible to instantly identify and punish any misconduct or political opinion, so the very thought of resisting the system becomes unthinkable.

It is time to fight together for a just, free, and democratic future in which digitization does not subjugate us but serves us and supports us in our pursuit of happiness and self-realization.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Nov 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9783947921331

Book preview

Foreword by Roman Reher

Since 1971, our currency has not been backed by anything. Previously, it was theoretically possible to exchange the old German Mark for the U.S. dollar, for which there was a guarantee of exchange into gold. For every 35 U.S. dollars, it was possible to receive one fine ounce of pure gold, in other words, a little more than 31 grams of gold.

Almost all the world's currencies were backed by gold supplies prior to 1971. This meant that it was not actually possible to print more currency than there was gold to back it. A lot of energy had to be invested to mine gold, extract it from deposits and process it further. This was a slow process, and so the amount of money available to governments grew just as slowly and moderately. In such a monetary system, everyone, the government, and the citizens, must make wise decisions about how they use their money.

Under this system, it is hard to waste money. Mindful investing is the norm. Excessive profits are also hard to come by and people are well protected from massive losses. There were fewer cheap and inferior goods in those days, but people were generally better off with products that were lower-cost, more durable and increased in value over time.

And then came the throwaway society.

That is why we live today in times of enormous monetary devaluation. Purchasing power is decreasing, products are becoming more expensive, the environment is being littered with inferior goods, nature is being exploited and damaged. These are the effects of a soft money system based on an unbacked currency that allows new euros or dollars to be created without any energy input. Simply at the push of a button, in a double whammy process, as the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, so charmingly put it. Millions become billions, billions become trillions, and trillions become quadrillions. Hundreds of thousands of millions.

At the cash register, on the other hand, ordinary people wonder how they are going to make ends meet over the coming months because everything is costing so much more.

These are the effects of an unbacked monetary system that began with the famous temporary closing of the gold window by then U.S. President Richard Nixon when the U.S. abruptly stopped exchanging dollars for gold on August 15, 1971.

Since that day, central bank balance sheets have exploded, and government debt has risen to ever new highs. Whenever new money is needed for any government expenditure, new debt is established by creating new money out of thin air. But this is used not only for flood disaster relief, but also, for example, to bail out banks that have gambled money away, or for other controversial subsidies and expenditures. For example, Nixon decoupled the U.S. dollar from gold so that he could continue the Vietnam War.

If we look at the financial situation around the world today and realize that the bubble is only getting bigger and bigger, we start to realize that yet more currency creation will one day result in even greater loss of purchasing power. A sandwich will cost 20 dollars, not to mention price increases in health care, education, and everything else. Major inflation is inevitable.

But what can we do about it? What is the way forward? We may be at a turning point. A critical juncture, because new monetary ideas are waiting in the wings, and some may harbor danger.

Joe Martin outlines a possible future path in this book. The road to disaster. We all hope that it will never come to that, but we are already moving ahead at full throttle.

That is why it is essential for everyone to understand the direction we are currently heading, to prevent us from one day waking up in a totalitarian-controlled nightmare state. A regime in which a small group of people have the power to take away our livelihoods at the push of a button and hold us hostage in monetary terms.

Those who know me are aware of my conviction that the solution lies in the introduction of hard money. I am referring to a form of currency that cannot be readily reproduced at will. The term double whammy, however figurative, does not apply here. Hard money calls for reflection, requires us to choose our investments carefully and deliberately.

Such money already exists in the form of Bitcoin. In this novel, the premise of Bitcoin is only touched upon in a subtle reference on the very last page. For readers who are unfamiliar, this reference may be puzzling.

I wish to emphasize here in the preface that Bitcoin, the hardest form of digital money humankind has ever seen, can provide a solution to the problems we face today. These issues may grow more serious in the future. For those seeking an alternative, I encourage you to look more deeply into Bitcoin. There are numerous educational resources, often free of charge, that offer sound insights into the world of Bitcoin. It is a free, uncensored, uncontrollable, and unstoppable digital currency that can pave the way to freedom for everyone in the world.

With Bitcoin, the dystopian scenarios described in this novel 2024, like surveillance, absolute totalitarian control, hypothetical crimes, are simply unthinkable. Bitcoin is based on the principle of work done, and the energy required for its creation and function must be used carefully. It is hard money that no government in the world can control. No person nor institution can arbitrarily create new Bitcoin to finance wars or build environmentally destructive factories where children are exploited.

Joe Martin wrote this novel to raise the alarm on central bank digital currencies, also known as CBDCs.

CBDCs are the next planned stage of the unbacked fiat currency system, the real intent of which is carefully hidden under the guise of inclusivity. Once established and implemented, however, they have the potential to rapidly become an instrument of total totalitarian control. The novel 2024 tells a thrilling tale of how a small, powerful group takes unprecedented, complete, and constant control of people – without weapons and without wars and without direct violence.

Joe Martin told me why he stopped writing a non-fiction book on the subject and I can only agree with his decision. The story he has created is more potent than pure facts and is also fun to read. It shakes us up and creates those rare aha moments that enrich us. I hope many people hear about this book because the scope of central bank digital currency is far greater than a surveillance tool to monitor who paid what, when and where.

Central bank digital currency is also an instrument of control, capable of extending executive power. The separation of powers of any democracy will be undermined by CBDCs because the politicians, and their helpers in the financial world, will not only determine the rules but will also carry out the punishment for non-compliance. The legislative, judicial and executive branches will merge into one totalitarian system. Courts and lawyers will be bypassed when, at the mere push of a button, it becomes possible to ruthlessly exclude anyone from the monetary system, ostracizing and potentially wrecking them.

History has shown us that the dystopia described by George Orwell in his masterpiece 1984 became a partial reality in Eastern Europe, including the former East Germany (GDR). Thanks to the state security service, or Stasi, Orwell's full scenario almost became reality, but only almost. That could now change fundamentally.

A huge power apparatus like the Stasi is no longer necessary, all that is needed is for us to allow a small group of powerful people to have full totalitarian control over our money.

While 1984 was set in the distant future and Orwell needed a lot of imagination to write his story, the methods, techniques, and possibilities described in 2024 are contemporary. Everything that is required already exists.

The real dangers are already up close and personal and not in a dystopian future that may come about in twenty, thirty, or fifty years from now. It is happening today.

To understand the dangers, I can only recommend everyone reads this book and acts, using all democratic means to prevent central bank digital currency from turning 2024 into reality.

Roman Reher, August 2023

Dear Reader

This book is meant to bite, enlighten and, above all, challenge. I call on people to resist the surveillance state so that the year 2024 (and beyond) does not become a real-life version of George Orwell’s fiction, 1984.

The surveillance state, already a virtual reality in China, is on the rise in the USA and is progressing at full speed in the European Union (EU), heading towards potential disaster for millions of people.

It would result in the bondage of entire populations and horrific suffering, ending in pure barbarism. I therefore call on all people to actively oppose it, to peacefully and democratically ensure that politics changes direction to prevent this nightmare scenario.

George Orwell wrote 1984 between 1946-48, right after Second World War, and, in retrospect, foresaw a frightening picture of today’s world at the beginning of the 21st century. He may have been wrong about the timing by a few decades, but it was a dystopian novel from the start – as were many other stories about the world of the future. Few were as accurate in their content.

It is as if his dystopic novel has almost become today’s reality. The narrative fits frighteningly well into our time, as if Orwell had read a future report from the 2020s.

I took the liberty of transporting his story from 1984 forty years into the future. I was free to describe today’s technology and retell his story realistically. We must realize that it is no longer a story of the future but the terrifying and brutal reality that threatens us and manifests itself ever faster in the present day.

Our freedom and rights are under unprecedented threat. Governments are using measures, portrayed as peaceful and for our own good, that are designed to restrict us.

These measures may ultimately lead us towards captive slavery by despots and dictators. Over the past twenty years, authoritarian forces in the Western world have become increasingly powerful, assertive, and arrogant.

We must defend ourselves against these forces with all our democratic strength. This is my motive for writing this book. So that everyone can see how far we have already come and how quickly it can lead to dictatorship, slavery, and a life of constant fear for everyone.

Let us all work together to ensure that everyone can live in freedom and peace in the future and that 1984 never becomes a reality. Not in 2024, not ever.

Joe Martin, November 2023

First part

Chapter One

1984 was the year Win was born, on the very last day, December 31. Today, December 31, 2023, he celebrated his 39th birthday, and some claimed he was already entering his fortieth year.

Starting tomorrow, January 1, 2024, he would begin a new phase of his life. Full of anticipation because he was doing well. Life was good, and fate seemed to be kind to him. His motto: to be in the middle of it instead of just being there.

Shadow, his oldest friend, and former fellow student toasted him. His friend’s real name was Jan Eric Newman, but no one seemed to care. Shadow just had style. Win raised his glass and toasted as well. Champagne was flowing, and even though it was only 10 p.m., they were already quite drunk.

For Win, turning 39 was not so special. But his next birthday, one year later, would be a turning point. Forty would certainly be a milestone. Things would go downhill from there, so they said. But what if they were right and his fortieth year would already begin tomorrow? A shiver ran down his spine as he was seized by the pensive fear of a drunkard.

Holy shit! he exclaimed loudly, raising his glass to his lips, and emptying it in one go. Holy shit! he repeated, watching Erica approach, her covetous gaze like a torch, searching him all over, trying to size him up.

Chill Win…and watch your words, she rebuked him.

Holy shit! he said defiantly one more time. What did she know? She fancied him, and he fancied her. Holy shit! he shouted once again.

He grabbed her by the hand, pulled her towards him and pressed his lips to hers. She eagerly returned his embrace, leaning back and locking her lips to his.

Happy birthday, she murmured through the passionate kiss.

This will be our year, she said, pressing closer to him. The kiss intensified, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and Win gripped her back with one hand and her butt with the other. She sighed and pressed herself even more tightly against him.

Get a room! sneered Shadow.

Not a bad idea, Win thought. But wait a minute, they were celebrating his birthday in his own apartment, and it was New Year’s Eve. Why should he get a room? He was drunk. Hopefully, he would live to see the New Year.

Erica’s thigh between his legs brought him to his senses. Ah, yes, the room.

He lifted her up, light as a feather, 120 pounds max, and carried her into the bedroom.

The pack roared. Go for it, they shouted after him. They were all drunk. No one would live to see the New Year. Damn it!

First, he tried to open his eyes but failed. Okay, what about his arm? Stop!

An inner impulse stopped him. First, test the muscles. He tensed his arm muscles.

Good, that worked. Now, the legs. It worked, now the buttocks, then the stomach. Everything seemed to work except for the eyelids. The muscles were gone. Then he blinked and felt the pain.

A miserable headache. He had never felt so sick in his life.

He felt ready to throw up. Contrary to all expectations, however, his legs worked great as he jumped out of bed and sprinted to the bathroom. He choked it all out as soon as he was on his knees in front of the toilet bowl.

You’re okay?, came a shaky voice. Erica. She stood in the doorway as pale as a phantom, staring ahead as if hypnotized.

Before he could answer, a second wave burst from his throat. Then the nausea rolled all over him like a fever. Hot and then cold and instantly hot again. When he turned around, the pale ghost was gone. Maybe she had never been there? The way he felt, he could no longer trust himself.

Oh man, he had missed the turn of the New Year. Another surge of nausea hit him, but it was a false alarm.

With legs shaking, he got up and wobbled to the sink. A few hands full of cold water to the face, and he was feeling better.

Wow, what a night, he thought. He realized he was standing stark naked in the bathroom. But where were the others? The apartment had been packed last night.

May I? Erica was standing behind him again. She had taken on a bit of color but was squeezing her legs together in an X shape.

Sure, be right out.

He closed the door behind him, slipped on underpants, then some pants and a T-shirt. He crept to the door and opened it slowly. The acrid smell of stale alcohol knocked him to his senses right away and almost sent him straight back to the bathroom. Pulling himself together, he opened the window to let in the refreshing chill of a New York morning.

He soaked up the fresh air, and the dull pounding in his head turned into a low rumble. Whoa, freezing!

No wonder, it was January 1. Close the damn window, growled a voice behind him. Not from a voice in his head but from the couch where Shadow lay. You look like a shadow of yourself today, Win remarked in jest. Close the damn window, Shadow repeated.

Paula, who was also sleeping there, stirred on the other side of the corner sofa. She joined in with Shadow’s demand like a chorister, Close the window!

With a sigh and a smile, Win closed the window just as the cold reached his bones. It’s all right. It stinks of alcohol in here. Disgusting!

By now, it was 11 o’clock, and while not yet fully recovered, they were already feeling more human. After cleaning up the remains of the previous night and taking out the trash, they gathered around a freshly set breakfast table in the living room.

The table was bursting with goodies: fresh bagels and muffins, steaming scrambled eggs with crispy bacon, golden brown pancakes with maple syrup, a selection of cold cuts and cheeses, fruit salad, fragrant jams and honey, and hot coffee and tea awaited them. James and Letitia joined from the second bedroom, and together, they enjoyed an extravagant New Year’s Day breakfast and the warmth of friendship on this cold morning.

You know, Win, Shadow began in a mysterious voice, I’ve thought of something spectacular for your birthday present.

Win looked at him, his eyes flashing with anticipation.

Really? Tell me more!

He had not yet received a gift from Shadow, which was unusual, but with Shadow, you never knew what to expect.

Shadow hesitated before taking out a small envelope, his eyes sparkling: A trip to the Forbidden City!

Win’s eyes widened in wonder.

The Forbidden City? But that’s… forbidden? joked Win.

That’s precisely why it’s so appealing, Shadow countered. It’s the ultimate adventure, and I want to experience it with you. You’ve never been outside the U.S., have you?

Win shook his head. No, I haven’t. But… isn’t it dangerous?

Shadow gave Win a wry smile. Where’s the thrill if it’s not a little dangerous?

That was typical of Shadow. He was always looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The more exciting and mysterious, the better. Behind Shadow’s unassuming exterior was a brilliant mind that could solve complex problems, override security systems and masterfully cover his tracks in the digital space. Companies flocked to him and paid him vast sums to break into their systems and expose security vulnerabilities.

As part of Team Blue, he was one of the good guys who showed companies how to secure their IT systems. It was obvious that the Forbidden City presented a challenge for him. It was like a locked computer system that he was determined to penetrate.

Letitia’s eyes almost bulged out of their sockets, You want to break into a forbidden city? This was beyond her imagination.

What if you get caught? Where is this forbidden city located? Disbelief and confusion mingled in her tone.

James laughed harshly. He could barely contain himself and snorted, The Forbidden City! That’s a brilliant joke, Shadow! And the way you all look! Like, it’s hazardous. It’s so… so Disney.

Shadow gave him a somber glower, and before Win could follow up, Erica asked curiously, What do you mean, Disney? What the heck is this Forbidden City, and where is it?

James, the history professor, took a deep breath and began his riveting narrative:

The Forbidden City is an impressive historic palace complex in the heart of Beijing, China. In its glory days, it served as the Chinese Imperial Palace and center of power from 1420 to 1912, during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The name Forbidden City" comes from access being strictly controlled and restricted at the time – only members of the imperial family, their servants and essential officials were allowed through the gates.

Covering a breathtaking 72 hectares, the Forbidden City is surrounded by an imposing 10-meter-high wall and a 52-meter-wide moat. A world of countless palaces, halls, pavilions, temples, and gardens unfolds, forming nearly 9,000 rooms.

Today, the Forbidden City shines as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of China’s most famous sights. The gates are open to the public and attract millions of tourists annually. The name Forbidden City has no actual meaning today, but the fascination remains."

So it’s like Disney, only for real and with a fascinating history, he concluded his rousing talk.

China it is! said Win, thrilled by the idea.

I’ve never been to China.

Shadow replied firmly, You’ve never been outside the U.S., but that’s changing now. China, here we come! We’re leaving on January 7th. I bought the tickets when you told me you’d requested vacation for January and had two weeks for an unforgettable adventure!

Win looked at Shadow with a mixture of fascination and skepticism, Thanks, but if this is one of your bad jokes, we’ll talk again.

No, no, it’s for real, Shadow affirmed vigorously. I want to go there too; I have to go there! he insisted, his eyes flashing with determination.

No one noticed the significance of this afterthought, which would later prove pivotal. Win’s life would likely have taken off in an entirely different direction if everyone had taken note.

Chapter Two

Win came to, startled, his craving for caffeine making him shout out loud, Coffee, I need coffee! Engrossed in his laptop, Shadow typed hastily on the keyboard and growled, unimpressed, Make yourself some.

He obviously had no intention of making Win a cup of coffee, not in this world nor in any other.

It was late afternoon and Win had dozed off on the sofa until his coffee cravings awakened him. Erica was off packing for a conference in Austin, Texas. Win was glad he did not have to travel with her.

Oh, no. We’re out of coffee, Win noted, but Shadow did not respond. I’ll just go down to the Starbucks around the corner. Want me to bring you one?

Without waiting for a response, Win marched to the door. To his surprise, he heard Shadow say: With milk and sugar.

Win strolled down the busy street, framed by hurried passersby and the sound of the relentless traffic. As soon as he spotted the ubiquitous Starbucks sign, he anticipated the familiar aroma and modern comforts like a beacon in the darkness. He entered the café and was greeted by warmth and the enticing smell of freshly roasted coffee.

On January 1, the atmosphere inside was different from regular days. Instead of businesspeople in suits, the room was full of people who had partied the night before and now wanted to relax over a hot drink.

The noise of the baristas, constantly shouting out the names of the customers and their drinks, blended with the conversational chatter and occasional bursts of laughter among the clientele.

Win let his gaze wander around the room, noting the diversity of people gathered there. Students with tired eyes and messy hair sipped from coffee mugs while groups of friends recovering from the previous night’s festivities shared their exploits. Most patrons stared trancelike at their smartphones while waiting in line or sitting at the counters.

The visibly stressed barista asked for Win’s name right away and scribbled something on a paper cup. He ordered a latte and had to choose between Tall, Grande or Venti. Venti, for sure! But what did Shadow want?

Heck. He picked up his phone and called him quickly. The barista struggled to keep his cool. Someone behind Win groaned. He probably rolled his eyes too. Shoot, if Shadow… but Shadow thankfully answered instantly.

Hi – how do you want your coffee? Yeah, yeah, with milk and sugar, but large or small? Small, ok!

He ordered and made room for the next customer, who belted out his order impatiently.

Win exited the elevator juggling two cups. He had drunk his coffee carefully because the drinks were always scorching. He could easily have ended up without a drink, but knowing from experience that the staff always wrote the name wrong on the cup, he had approached the counter just as the dispensing barista yelled, Willy.

Here’s your tall latte with sugar, pal. Careful, it might still be boiling hot, said Win as he handed the cup to Shadow.

Why tall? I wanted a small!

Tall is small.

What, tall means big?

No, a bigger one is either grande or venti.

What?

You’ve never been to Starbucks?

No way, but since you’re out of coffee, I’ve made an exception. Still, I’m not gonna let you get one over me!

No, no. Small is tall at Starbucks, medium is grande, and large is venti.

Shheesh… and the Nobel Prize in Economics is also a Nobel Prize.

What does that have to do with it? asked Win surprised.

Both are lies!

What? Now it was Win’s turn to cry out loud.

Framing, my friend, framing - talking people into something to make them feel good or to seduce them, or screw them over.

Explain that to me.

How do you feel when you get a tall coffee and not a small one? That’s way cooler than getting something small. Isn’t it?

Uhh… yeah, but…

No buts. They play it off to the customer that there’s no such thing as small at Starbucks, only large, and you, as the customer, are always served a large. In other coffee places where there’s small, medium, and large, you get something small. At Starbucks, never. That’s framing.

Yeah, sure, but I know it’s just advertising.

Yes, it’s advertising, but it’s often hidden; you don’t realize it’s advertising, and it’s used to implement an agenda.

Hmm, what do you mean? asked Win.

Shadow flashed a dismissive smile. Take the Nobel Prize in Economics. Did you know that it isn’t a Nobel Prize at all?

Win looked at him, confused.

What do you mean? I always thought the Nobel Prize in Economics was just as recognized as the other Nobel Prizes.

Shadow shook his head.

No, that’s a common misconception. The original Nobel Prize was created by Alfred Nobel and included the categories of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. The Nobel Prize in Economics, or more accurately the ‘Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences honoring Alfred Nobel’, wasn’t established until 1968, by the Swedish Central Bank.

Win frowned.

But why should that be so important? It’s still a prestigious award, after all.

Shadow sighed.

It may well be, but the Nobel Prize in Economics is often criticized for allegedly pursuing a political agenda and confining scientific debate to a narrow range of economic views. Some believe the prize helps portray certain economic theories and models as ‘true’ or ‘incontrovertible’, which shouldn’t be the case in science.

Win stared at Shadow, his eyes widening in disbelief.

You’ve got to be kidding me! Two Nobel Prize winners in economics work in our company. They are respected experts in their fields. Are you suggesting that their work and their prizes are worthless?

Shadow raised his hands calmly.

I’m not saying that their work and prizes are less significant. It’s essential to understand that despite its controversial origins, the Nobel Prize in Economics is still a prestigious award, and the winning economists have generally made significant contributions to their fields. But we should also be aware that there are political and scientific debates that are influenced by framing.

Win felt his head spin as he tried to comprehend this revelation. It was hard enough after New Year’s Eve and drinking copious amounts of alcohol.

But this means that these framing effects could affect our company and maybe even our entire industry. How can we make sure we’re not fooled by these manipulations?

Shadow smiled faintly and put a hand on Win’s shoulder.

That’s a good question. The first step is to be aware that framing exists and how it works. If you embrace different views and theories and stay open to alternative ways of thinking, you’ll be less susceptible to manipulation.

Win squinted as he tried to digest the implications of what Shadow had just presented to him.

Still in a stupor from the previous night, he listened to Shadow rant on. "The frame is a powerful tool that can impact the way we perceive the world around us.

If we are unaware of the frame being set in a debate or discussion, it can be easy to unconsciously adopt its perspective and position ourselves in a certain way. In doing so, we may close ourselves to critical reflection and open discussion because the given perspective limits us.

So, we should always be aware of who is setting the frame and what the intentions are. Only then can we properly understand a topic and enable a differentiated and open discussion. We must never forget that the frame not only gives a view of a debate but can also influence our values.

We must recognize and critically examine these influences to arrive at a more comprehensive view of the world around us."

The realization that the supposed truths and experts he had previously trusted may have been manipulated and influenced —by framing and creating a frame themselves— flashed through Win’s mind like an electric shock. It was as if he had pulled aside a curtain, revealing a glimpse into the dark world of intrigue, power games, and deception hiding beneath the shiny surface. After the New Year’s Eve party, this was all too much. Shadow did not seem to care about New Year’s Eve anymore. He was in his sandbox and seemed happy to play.

Shadow observed Win, registering his friend’s reactions. He knew this was just the beginning of a dangerous journey they were both on. A trip they would never have embarked on if they had predicted how it would end.

Hey, don’t get rattled, said Shadow, Why don’t you look forward to our trip to the Forbidden City? It’s going to be an exciting trip – always straight ahead.

How?

What, how?

Why do you say ‘always straight ahead’, as if Beijing is around the corner.

Corner is the keyword. Beijing is straight ahead to our left if the Earth were flat.

Wow, now it’s round or not round. Are you now saying that the Earth is flat?

Isn’t it?

There is no scientific evidence that the Earth is flat, Win said.

But what about all the evidence that supports the flat Earth theory? asked Shadow, leaning back in his chair.

There is no scientific evidence to support the flat earth theory, Win replied. However, a ton of evidence proves the Earth is a sphere.

Shadow pulled out his cell phone and showed Win several videos of conspiracy theorists claiming the Earth is flat.

People often make these videos without scientific training and want to spread their theories, Win explained. However, scientific evidence proves the Earth is a sphere.

Shadow looked skeptically at Win.

But what about all the theories that say the Earth is flat? Don’t you think there’s a reason why so many people believe in that theory?

Win sighed.

It’s important to consider facts and evidence instead of believing conspiracy theories. It’s often easier to believe a conspiracy theory than to look at the facts.

Nobody is going to pour truth into your brain. It’s something you must find out for yourself.

Win quoted Noam Chomsky to make his point. He knew Shadow frequently used quotes from renowned scientists, artists, and other historically influential people to add weight to his statements.

Shadow nodded in agreement.

Yes, I see what you mean. But there are still so many questions that remain unanswered. How can we be certain that what we believe is true?

That was an excellent question, but not one Win wanted to dwell on, and certainly not today. His head spinning, he bandaged his thoughts tighter and tighter, and tried again.

Don’t be mad at me, but I’m going to sleep now. If you want to stay here, I’d love to chat, but I’m out.

As he trundled off to his bedroom, one question haunted him, How can we be certain what we believe is true? He feared it would torment him even in his dreams.

Damn Shadow. Time after time, he managed to confuse him.

Chapter Three

The first rays of sunlight brushed the facade of the skyscraper as Win entered the lobby. The black marble floor shone like the night sky, speckled with twinkling stars. The high ceilings and gold-embellished walls gave the room a majestic feel worthy of a center of high finance.

Security was strict yet unobtrusive. Discreetly dressed guards patrolled the lobby, eyes permanently peeled to the numerous screens showing all the building entrances and floors. Visitors had to show identification and were thoroughly screened before being allowed through the turnstiles that granted access to the core of the building.

After showing his security card, Win rode one of several elevators to take him to his office on the 57th floor. The elevator cab was clad in polished stainless steel and mirrored surfaces that reflected the lights of the flashing floor display.

As the doors opened, Win entered the office. The glass fronts of the surrounding offices and conference rooms offered a breathtaking view of Manhattan. On these quiet mornings, as the city awoke and the first rays of sun bathed the sky in soft orange, Win found the solitude he needed for his work as an ESG analyst. The aroma of coffee filled his office as he worked through a stack of reports and news stories that exposed the world’s pulse.

Win, a man with a keen intuition and profound understanding of the intricacies of finance, looked at the stories behind the numbers. He knew that every decision he made for his Blue Stone clients affected the world and their pocketbooks.

His days were marked by careful analysis of the environmental, social and governance factors that formed the backbone of ESG analysis. He proceeded cautiously, constantly looking for the balance between profitability and responsibility.

Win watched company fortunes move in response to ESG principles, and as an analyst at Blue Stone, he knew that he played a crucial role in improving the world. He had the ear of decision-makers, and his voice counted. For a year now, he had been serving Molberg Industries on ESG matters and had achieved some impressive results.

It was these moments of victory that encouraged Win in his work. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction when he found a company that was both financially successful and met the highest ESG standards. It was like discovering a hidden pearl in the depths of the ocean.

But the defeats also spurred him on. Whenever he came across a company that neglected its responsibility to the environment or society, he took it on as a challenge to improve things.

Win knew that his work as an ESG analyst was an art hidden between the lines of facts and figures. A skill that aimed to shine the light of responsibility and sustainability into finance. Although his role at Blue Stone was often fraught with uncertainty and difficulty, he was keenly aware of the importance and value of his work.

He was only responsible for one Blue Stone client, but it was one of the world’s top three technology companies. It was Win in the skyscrapers of Manhattan, where money ruled the world, who had the power to shape the future. At least that was how it felt to him until the moment his assistant informed him that his boss’s boss wanted to see him right away.

With a queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, he made his way to the office of one of the direct members of the extended board, Tom O’Brien. Win did not know him, just as he did not know any of the executive senior vice presidents.

O’Brien was the most influential among them, very high up in the company’s hierarchy, just below the three-member board, so he had a lot of power. Win wondered what he wanted from him.

Tom O’Brien’s room was imposing and luxuriously furnished. A massive oak desk surrounded by bookshelves and artwork dominated the room. O’Brien sat behind the desk, gazing out the window, waiting. When Win entered, Tom O’Brien turned and smiled cryptically.

Have a seat, Win, he said without losing the smile. I understand you have a vacation planned. Enjoy your time because I have news that will change your life when you return.

Win felt his heartbeat quicken as he sank into the chair across from O’Brien. What could he mean? A transfer? His mind raced as he waited for him to say more.

O’Brien leaned back in his luxurious leather chair and folded his hands on the desk. His gaze seemed to wander off into infinity before refocusing on Win.

I don’t want to go into details before you go on your well-deserved vacation, Win, he began, But I want you to know that we have big plans for you at the company. Your hard work and dedication have not escaped our notice, and we believe you are ready to take on greater responsibilities.

Win swallowed, his mouth dry as he tried to hide his growing nervousness and curiosity. He was unsure whether to feel excited or anxious.

After your leave, we will have a position for you that will take you in a very different direction, O’Brien continued. Of course, we’ll give you a full briefing on your new role when you return. But I thought you should know beforehand that considerable changes are on the horizon.

Win nodded slowly, still unsure how to respond. He had always dreamed of a promotion, but O’Brien’s cryptic hints left him with mixed feelings.

I appreciate your confidence in me, he finally replied.

I will do my best to live up to expectations.

O’Brien nodded with satisfaction. I do not doubt it, Win. Enjoy your vacation, and we will meet again when you return.

With those closing words, he dismissed Win from his office. As Win left