diff --git a/ch01.asciidoc b/ch01.asciidoc
index 1bcc4821..7abdbb35 100644
--- a/ch01.asciidoc
+++ b/ch01.asciidoc
@@ -31,15 +31,16 @@ prerequisite to spending bitcoin, putting the control entirely in the
 hands of each user.
 
 Bitcoin is a distributed, peer-to-peer system. As such, there is no
-"central" server or point of control. Bitcoins, i.e. units of bitcoin,
+"central" server or point of control. Units of bitcoin
 are created through a process called "mining," which involves competing
-to find solutions to a mathematical problem while processing Bitcoin
+to find solutions to a mathematical problem that references a list of recent Bitcoin
 transactions. Any participant in the Bitcoin network (i.e., anyone using
 a device running the full Bitcoin protocol stack) may operate as a
-miner, using their computer's processing power to verify and record
-transactions. Every 10 minutes, on average, a Bitcoin miner can validate
-the transactions of the past 10 minutes and is rewarded with brand new
-bitcoin. Essentially, Bitcoin mining decentralizes the currency-issuance
+miner, using their computer's processing power to help secure
+transactions. Every 10 minutes, on average, a Bitcoin miner can add security to
+past transactions and is rewarded with both brand new
+bitcoin and the fees paid by recent transactions. Essentially, Bitcoin
+mining decentralizes the currency-issuance
 and clearing functions of a central bank and replaces the need for any
 central bank.