Graham Who?

The cover story of this week's Economist posed a rather cheeky comparison between Obama and Graham Greene's Quiet American. Immediately, I had a profound urge to read Graham Greene...really, to read literature period. For most MBAs--business people generally, to be sure--an average reading list consists of the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, maybe BusinessWeek, plus a few industry specific publications that vary depending on the individual (TechCrunch or Wired if you're like me). That list is, of course, ominously void of literature. I have not once walked into the Atrium and seen an MBA devouring Kundera or Salinger or even Irving. In truth, I have never seen anyone reading a work of fiction, philosophy or historical non-fiction within the walls of Sage Hall. I too am among the guilty. I used to keep a copy of Thoreau's Walden on my bed stand, but only as a symbol strategically placed to preserve my sanity.

Last week Jane Hileman, CEO of American Reading Company, guest lectured in my Cases in Venture Financing class. A self-proclaimed literary activist, Jane is clearly immersed in a world of books that most business people cannot imagine. And it showed. She was graceful, a natural communicator, intellectual, soulful even. In sum, she seemed authentic in a way that every good business person should strive to be.

Winter break is just around the corner, and undoubtedly, there will be companies to research, networks to strengthen and countless news and business publications to consume. Nevertheless, I hereby vow to read something beautiful that has withstood the test of time, history and political meanderings--something that has meaning that is deeper than any corporation or bank, and as such will retain relevancy throughout the ages--something that is, at its very core, human.