When I was in business, colleagues and associates talked about arts and literature; when I became an author all they talked about was money; in academia where I am now all they talk about is rank and power.
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Business (as a barbell with plenty free time on the side) has been the purest way to engage in intellectual life.
P.S. Just discoved Oscar Wilde has said the same thing (partically, about business and arts.)

Source: When I was in business, colleagues and… – Nassim Nicholas Taleb