Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 439

In this lively essay collection a seasoned judge offers a timeless piece of advice to a nervous military commander: trust your gut, but keep the reasoning to yourself. The author uses that anecdote as a springboard to explore how many of us arrive at conclusions without ever being able to trace the mental steps that got us there. Drawing on examples from classical drama, diplomatic history, and even medical tracts, the piece paints a vivid picture of intuition versus formal argument, suggesting that the gap between the two is a universal human quirk rather than a gendered flaw.

The writing moves deftly between witty historical digressions and thoughtful commentary on the pitfalls of over‑explaining every action. Readers are invited to reconsider how we justify our judgments—whether in law, politics, or everyday life—and to appreciate the value of a well‑placed instinct. The tone remains conversational yet erudite, making the exploration both accessible and intellectually satisfying.