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A stock certificate is not a tool, like a shovel, or a commodity, like a pound of cheese. What we sell a customer is not a share in a business, but a view of the Elysian Fields. A financier is a creative artist. Our function is to stimulate the imagination. We are poets!
Jean Giraudoux
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the creative and imaginative aspects of finance rather than viewing it purely as a transactional tool.

Jean Giraudoux suggests that the essence of finance transcends mere transactions; it is about inspiring and painting a vision for clients. By likening financiers to poets, he highlights the importance of creativity and imagination in the world of financial services, suggesting that they offer not just shares in a business but a perspective on greater possibilities and dreams.

Themes

FinanceImaginationCreativityVisionArtistry

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a financial seminar to inspire students about the creative side of finance.

More from Jean Giraudoux

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A man has only one way of being immortal on earth: he has to forget he is a mortal.
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