A recurring theme in the book is the Mercator Sapiens, the wise, erudite merchant introduced by Caspar Barlaeus in 1632 during his inaugural address at the Athenaeum Illustre, now the University of Amsterdam.  

In the richly illustrated description of the history, founding and development of the Faculty, Mercator Sapiens is discussed in first part of this book as a source of inspiration for those who supported establishing an economics faculty in Amsterdam.

The editors of this book also wanted to give Mercator Sapiens a more contemporary significance. This was done in the second part of the book where 10 prominent economists and business experts reflect on the challenges we face today. How would Mercator Sapiens respond? And what does the science of economics and business have to offer? The contributors are: Branko Milanovic, Ann Pettifor, Paul Schoemaker, Deirdre McCloskey, Dani Rodrik, Diane Coyle, Manfred Kets de Vries, Shoshana Zuboff, Joel Mokyr, and Anita Elberse.   

In the third part of the book, the editors continue in the same vein as in part two: if these are the challenges presented to Mercator Sapiens, can we pin our hopes on the current generation of students? Where do they stand in this playing field? What is their sense of engagement? Which ideals do they value and strive for? What is their vision of the future? How do they see their own future? The third part of this book provides a portrait of the current generation of students at our 100-year-old faculty.
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Concept & Realisation: Bob Duynstee
Authors: Johan Joor, Jule Hinichs, Rob Hartgers
Photo section: Daan Meijer
Design: Monique Smulders (Monter)
Publisher: Bob Duynstee (1001.nl) 

ISBN: 978-90-821836-7-2