Version of 23 September 2026
1. Scope
1.1 These terms apply to the use of the website paolostolfo.com, to the free reading sample of the work «Die Illusion des Verstehens», to the purchase of the digital edition of that work, and to the newsletter.
1.2 The provider and rights holder is Paolo Stolfo, Birkenhaldenstrasse 32, 8738 Uetliburg, Switzerland, email web@paolostolfo.com.
1.3 Section 4 applies in addition to purchases of the digital edition.
2. Website content
2.1 The content of this website — texts, images, illustrations, design and source code — is protected by copyright.
2.2 Any use beyond reading and making individual copies for personal use requires prior written consent. Statutory limitations of copyright, in particular the right of quotation, remain unaffected.
2.3 References and links to third-party websites were reviewed when they were added. No liability is accepted for their content.
2.4 The information on this website is compiled with care. No warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or currency. Liability for damage arising from use of the website is limited to intent and gross negligence; liability for injury to life, body or health remains unaffected.
3. Reading sample
3.1 The reading sample is offered free of charge as a PDF file. No personal details are required to obtain it. Downloading it does not create a contract for the complete work.
3.2 The reading sample may be downloaded, stored, printed and read for personal use. Passing on the complete file unchanged for non-commercial purposes is expressly permitted.
3.3 The following are prohibited: modifying the file, passing on extracts beyond the scope of the right of quotation, commercial exploitation, and removing the details identifying the author and the edition.
3.4 There is no entitlement to continued availability of the reading sample. Its content and scope may change until the work is published.
4. Purchase of the digital edition
4.1 A digital edition of the work is offered in EPUB and PDF format. Both formats are included in the price. A printed edition is not sold through this website.
4.2 The work is written in German. This also applies to purchases made through the English version of this website.
4.3 Sales are processed by Stripe, appearing to customers under the name Link. Link acts as merchant of record and therefore as the seller, issues the receipt and remits value added tax. The contract of sale is concluded between the customer and Link. Receipts and invoices are sent by Link; on card statements the purchase appears under Link’s designation. Link’s terms, displayed during the order process, apply in addition.
4.4 All prices are final prices including value added tax. The amount displayed during the order process, in the currency stated there, is decisive. For customers in Germany, the fixed retail price in euros applies.
4.5 The work is available from the publication date, 12 November 2026. Delivery takes place immediately after purchase.
4.6 Delivery is digital, via the page books.stolfo.co. That page is operated by the provider. Access is granted through the link displayed after purchase and additionally sent by email. The link is not time-limited; it always leads to the current version of the files.
4.7 The purchased files may be used on any number of the customer’s own devices. Passing them on, making them publicly available and commercial exploitation are prohibited.
4.8 Any statutory right of withdrawal exists in relation to Link as seller. Whether and when it expires early for digital content is governed by Link’s terms as displayed during the order process.
4.9 Returns and refunds are handled by Link. In addition, the provider’s commitment at paolostolfo.com/rueckgabe applies; it extends the customer’s rights and does not restrict them.
4.10 Enquiries regarding orders, payment, receipts, tax, withdrawal and refunds should be directed to Link support. Enquiries regarding the files, the content, errata and usage rights should be directed to books@paolostolfo.com.
5. Text and data mining
5.1 The rights holder expressly reserves the use of all content on this website, of the reading sample and of the purchased files for text and data mining. This includes use for training, validating and operating artificial intelligence systems.
5.2 This reservation applies regardless of how the content was obtained, and to all formats and editions.
6. Newsletter
6.1 The newsletter is sent only with express consent. Consent is confirmed in a two-step procedure and recorded.
6.2 You may unsubscribe at any time via the link in every message or informally at web@paolostolfo.com.
6.3 Neither obtaining the reading sample nor purchasing the digital edition requires a newsletter subscription.
6.4 There is no entitlement to any particular publication frequency or to continuation of the newsletter.
7. Nature of the content
7.1 The content of this website, the reading sample and the work reflect the author’s engagement with the subject. They do not constitute legal, medical, financial or other advice in an individual case.
8. Data protection
8.1 The processing of personal data is described in the privacy policy: paolostolfo.com/datenschutzerklaerung. It does not form part of these terms.
9. Final provisions
9.1 The version published on this page applies. Earlier versions are archived with their version date.
9.2 If any provision is invalid, the remaining provisions remain in force.
9.3 Swiss law applies. Mandatory provisions of the law at a consumer’s place of residence remain reserved.
9.4 The place of jurisdiction is Uetliburg, Switzerland. For consumers, the statutory place of jurisdiction at their place of residence remains reserved.
9.5 This English text is a translation provided for convenience. In the event of any discrepancy, the German version prevails.