Neuroeconomist Paul Zak studies, writes, and speaks about the role oxytocin plays in trust. Trust, of course, is fundamental to productive societies and economies.

Below, find a 2009 episode of On Being with Krista Tippett featuring Zak, followed by a transcription of one of its many interesting passages.  The episode is especially interesting because the conversation took place during the market collapse often called The Great Recession.  The passage was chosen for its closing lines’ use of Aristotle’s virtue of magnificence and angle on prosperity and its “refudiation” of the idea that financial transactions and economic pursuits are unbecoming and base.

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