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The wisdom of finance : discovering humanity in the world of risk ad return
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The wisdom of finance : discovering humanity in the world of risk ad return

by Mihir A. Desai

This study explores financial principles through the lens of the humanities, linking economic concepts to literature, history, and philosophy. It analyses topics such as risk management and debt by drawing parallels with the arts and human experience.

Accession 13658 ISBN 9780544911130 Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
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TAGS
Curated Derived
Communication Culture Economics Finance Literature Philosophy Social Sciences Work
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position_updated_at
2026-06-01 16:33
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vertical
Details

Physical

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Hard Back
dimensions
none captured
spine_text
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Metadata

Book form
LOCATION HISTORY
M:N3:7 3 Current vertical
2 weeks ago
Book Location
Updated 1 week, 1 day ago
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Last synced 2026-05-21 01:02 (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

Identity

name→ title
The wisdom of finance : discovering humanity in the world of risk ad return
vernon_id
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13658
vernon_slug
the-wisdom-of-finance-discovering-humanity-in-the-world-of-risk-ad-return-mihir-a-desai

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isbn_issn→ isbn (when valid)
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Descriptive

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2017
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brief_description
Tries to humanize finance but makes out with its bestie, insurance, using literature. The characterization of finance as deceitful, infamous, and vulgar still rings true today - particularly in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. But, what happened to the fairest, noblest, and finest profession that de la Vega saw? De la Vega hit on an essential truth that has been forgotten: finance can be just as principled, life-affirming, and worthy as it can be fraught with questionable practices. Today, finance is shrouded in mystery for outsiders, while many insiders are uneasy with the disrepute of their profession. How can finance become more accessible and also recover its nobility? Harvard Business School professor Mihir Desai, in his last lecture to the graduating Harvard MBA class of 2015, took up the cause of restoring humanity to finance. With incisive wit and irony, his lecture drew upon a rich knowledge of literature, film, history, and philosophy to explain the inner workings of finance in a manner that has never been seen before.

Subjects & people

authors→ author (initial fill only)
Mihir A. Desai
tags→ tags
Literature, Philology, Ethics, Philosophy, Social sciences, Civilisation, Industrial management, Management, Economics, Finance, Drama, Literature -- History and criticism, Insurance, Literature and morals, Literature -- Appreciation, Organisational change, Organisational behaviour, Personnel management
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