There is a quote I once read. It was "mutual experience, separate conclusion." Two people go to a movie. One person says, "man that movie was great." The other person says, "God, that movie sucked." Mutual experience, separate conclusion. Its so true that we all draw our own conclusions from the things we experience. The view of Buk's old place on De Longpre looks different to all who view it. Translation obvious work to some extent and let's be glad we have them. Think of some of the ancient Chinese text that were translated that held profound wisdom.
One thing is for darn sure for a practical basis. It sure is great that Carl existed and did what he did or our main Dude, Buk, would not have enjoyed the success and cash he so badly needed and deserved.
I'm re-reading Living on Luck so I'm focused on Buk's daily life back in the day and how the German people "gave" Buk the big money to break him out his constant hard times.
Now we all know that mjp can read german. Isn't that what he said?