Online University: 15 Philosophy Books for Business Students

OnlineUniversity.com Blog posted a list of their recommended 15 Philosophy Books Every Business Student Should Read. As expected, the list contains standard philosophy classics from several different historical eras, ranging from the ancient world to the twentieth century.

While a person might disagree with the order, and the inclusions and omissions, the list is an excellent starting point for business students. Anyone working their way through this remarkable list will achieve a better grasp, not only of philosophy, but of business as well. It is my firm conviction that a solid grounding in the Humanities, including literature, philosophy, history and languages, serves a business person very well. Indeed, the failure to read, learn, and absorb the wisdom found in the great works leaves a real gap in anyone's education.

Reading and understanding the timeless wisdom found in the Humanities is even more critical for business students, as the moral and ethical dilemmas of our current era, have arisen in the past. The great writers have grappled with these issues for centuries. They offer guidance, that a business student who aspires to a leadership role, would be wise to consider and reflect upon. A business person will be a more effective leader and decision maker as a result.

As the blog post states:

There’s a lot of wisdom to be gained from philosophers — hailing from both this century and those of ancient times. Not only have they helped educate some of the best and brightest at universities and in classrooms around the world, they also serve as education and inspiration for those in the business world. These philosophical tomes touch on ideas like morality and ethics, human nature and leadership– all of which can be directly applied to aspects of business as diverse as management and marketing. So if you’re a business student looking for a little inspiration in your studies or new insights in seeing the world, don’t miss out on these amazing reads.

To get you started, the fascinating, and complacency shattering classic, A Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin (shown top left) is listed as Number 4 on the list:

What meaning does art have in a world where nearly everything is produced en masse? It’s an interesting point for any business to contemplate. Do you want your products to be unique or do you want them all to be just the same? There are arguments to be made for each, and Benjamin starts the discussion on what art means in the modern age within this text.

As a matter of interest, I have read eight of the fifteen books. I still have some work to do as well. It's a good thing that I believe in and fully support lifelong learning.

Happy reading!

Tags: 15 Philosophy Books Every Business Student Should Read, A Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, business and philosophy, philosophy book reviews.

Business ideas: Don't chase mirages

It is the very nature of business people to seek new and exciting business ideas. That relentless search for profit is the lifeblood of the economy. Making money through constant innovation, and from novel business concept creation, is a matter of survival for entrepreneurs and small business people.

At the same time, some very tempting money losing ideas must be avoided to prevent disastrous losses. Business people must avoid chasing shimmering mirages. These are those elusive, yet seductive projects that promise riches, but yield only bottom line wrecking nightmares. These are the ideas that lead otherwise astute business people like demonic pied pipers to their company's demise.



Recognizing mirages from ideas real business potential is not easy. There are usually some warnings that the mirage is lurking, however. The key for owners and managers is to recognize the red flags the mirage will often give forth. All too often these minute tremors are ignored to the organization's peril. Instead of wasting time, personnel, equipment, and financial resources on a money losing phantom, it's essential that business people recognize some of its usual characteristics.

First and foremost the mirage is seductive through its promise of easy money. This too good to be true aspect is easy to sweep under the rug. Money for nothing usual yields nothing of value in the end. The old saying about something being too good to be true has proven correct on far too many occasions. If a proposal appears to offer that proverbial free lunch, be sure to look hard at the numbers and hidden costs attached to the phantom project. There may be some glaring oversights that are being all too conveniently ignored.

A second aspect of the mirage is often very weak financial evidence of its profitability. All too often, very obvious costs may be missing from the business plan. Less obvious costs are certain to be absent as well. Glowing sales reports, based more on wishful thinking than hard evidence, are usually symptoms of a mirage as well. Check, recheck, and then check the numbers again. Have more than one person examine the cost and revenue estimates. All too often, the harsh light of day will remove the mirage from consideration.



A third possibility of a mirage slipping into the operations is it being championed by someone highly ranked in the organization. Whether the owner of an entrepreneurial venture or the CEO of a major corporation, their suggestions are often left unchallenged. In every case, the same due diligence and financial scrutiny must be applied to the project.

Don't let the high powered sponsorship of the idea prevent you from examining the dollars and sense of the plan. Being intimidated by the person in the big chair will not help the company. Everyone is capable of making mistakes and chasing mirages. It is your responsibility to prevent them from happening in your organization. Don't just go along to get along. Sometimes developing some unexpected courage is necessary for your company's very survival.

Your discovery of a potential money loser will serve your career, as well as your company, in good stead. While the bearer of bad tidings may experience some misplaced disdain in the short term, time will prove the wisdom of someone who prevents a disaster. Company saviours may take some time to be rewarded, but the longer term works in support of those who help the company survive and prosper.



Don't let the siren call of a mirage lure your company onto the financial rocks. Always examine every business idea for practicality, timing, and required resources. It is especially important to recognize the mirage that may be your own pet projects. Instead of presenting a money losing idea, replace it with a solidly profitable one. Your attention to due diligence will mark you as a responsible and dependable leader.

Keep away from the mirage. Shine the light on them, and watch their false phantom profits disappear as if by magic. Don't fall for their shimmer. They promise only the dryness of the desert. There is no free lunch at this illusion of an oasis.

Tags: business ideas, seeking profits, preventing losses, entrepreneurship.

An abundant world: Unlimited opportunities

The world (photo left from Apollo 17) in which we live is teeming with abundance. While there may be some products, commodities, and services in relatively short supply, there is more than enough for what you seek in your life. Whether you seek material wealth, or personal freedom and happiness, you just have to open your eyes to the world's possibilities.

Many of us were taught that everything is in short supply and that competition is the only way to achieve personal success. In fact, the opposite is true if you approach the issue of abundance from another direction. Instead of seeing the half empty glass, it's time to look at the hundreds of overflowing glasses next to it. Changing your focus from the partial glass to the opportunities surrounding it, can make all the difference. There is no need to compete for that partial glass, when you can cooperate with others and have dozens of full glasses, as a team.

Regardless of your personal or business goals, there are resources and assistance available to you. The comodities, products, services, or help may not be the ones you thought were required initially either. They may be even better than your previous choices. Working with others, as a partner or by providing help to them, will usually pay undreamed of dividends. Payment may not only be in dollars, but can also be in new found friendships and business alliances. Think beyond the finite, and embrace the infinite potential of the world.



People are willing to help you to achieve success. Most of the men and women you meet in life want to assist you in reaching your goals. While a few may decline to help, they may steer you in the direction of just the right person to guide you in your quest.

All personal contacts are good to make, and be sure to create a win-win scenario with everyone you meet. Offer to help them in return and be sure to thank them for their contribution to your personal and business development; and for becoming a very important part of your life.

Abundance doesn't disappear with economic downturns and recessions either. It merely changes form. That is the importance of keeping your eyes open and accepting changes as they happen. Your business and personal life are in constant motion toward the future, and so is the larger economy. Keeping an open mind, and keen eye for changes in trends, will enable you to spot abundance in resources and opportunities as they appear.



Some huge fortunes, and some wonderful friendships, were made during the Great Depression of the 1930's, by those who sought abundance in resources; and who asked assistance from others, and offered even more aid in return. Those who failed to adapt to the dramatic economic changes, and to reach out to others, were very often wiped out.

The world is one of abundance. There are unlimited opportunities for you, but you must seek them out by keeping your eyes open to changes. Ask others for help, and offer even more in return. Develop mutually beneficial business partnerships, even with those you thought were your competitors. The unlimited benefits received in personal friendships, guidance, and opportunities are even more valuable than the probable financial rewards.

Be sure to repay with kindness, and to thank everyone who helped you.

We live in an abundant world. Keep your eyes open to the unlimited opportunities it offers us all.

Tags: abundance, unlimited opportunities, changing focus, helping others.

Business ideas: Recession entrepreneurship opportunities

Talk of recession is appearing with greater frequency in the mainstream media. For most business people, any thought of possible economic downturn is a frightening prospect. Instead of lamenting that the world is ending, or entertaining similar apocalyptic fears, it's time to consider business opportunities that will arise during a recession.

The first thing for an entrepreneur to do, when considering business prospects for harder times, is think of what needs may emerge. Recessions mean lower employment levels, difficulty in personal and company bill paying, lower numbers of customers, foreclosures of homes and businesses, and a trend to cutting operating and capital costs. All of these scenarios present business opportunities for an entrepreneur. They are not simply profits from preying on hardship either, but are very often business and credit savers for others.



Unemployed people need assistance in finding new jobs. You could consider starting an employment agency, a life coaching service, a personal image consultancy, job skills training, or a resume writing service. Helping people become employed is a public service as you help other companies find talented staff people. A job is the best social program in existance, and a potential life saver for the person landing the new position.

Helping companies increase their customer lists and boost their sales success is a powerful form of consulting service. Working with business owners and staff on enhancing sales and marketing skills, improved public relations, and better customer service will boost the organization's bottom line. It will also keep people employed and even add more staff members. Along with sales and marketing advice, new idea brainstorming sessions could be offered to creative minded companies.



Homes and businesses will fall into payment arrears, and face foreclosure. Purchasing troubled properties will save the former home owner's credit, and provide business in the contracting industry. At the same time, unprofitable businesses are prime candidates for turnarounds.

Not only does the acquisition of a company save the organization from extinction, but preserves most of the jobs connected with it as well. Lowering operating and overhead costs, as well as improving accounts payable and receivable are all potential business services.

Many companies will elect to contract out many departments, ranging from accounting to law to personnel to marketing. A nimble entrepreneur will be able to pick up that work on a contract basis. Be sure to keep an eye open for entire departments being spun off of from major corporations as stand alone businesses. Many such opportunities for spin off acquisitions from corporations, along with the accompanying brand recognition and existing goodwill, will take place too.

Business opportunities for entrepreneurs are limitless, even during a recession. Don't let an economic downturn keep you from adding new business ventures to your own company. The money making ideas are just different from those in economic boom times. The cash flow spends just as well though.

Tags: economic recession, entrepreneurship, business ideas, acquisitions.