This is a book about how we form a connection to the ideals and institutions of public life, a connection sometimes expressed in the language of civic engagement, public service, and commitment to the public good. While we do not lack for literature to guide us in thinking about public life, we...

Introduction -- Reason, desire and the self -- The flight from reason -- Family values -- Moral renewal -- Deception -- Desire without limit -- The ultimate fulfillment -- Greed, morality and corruption -- Corporate corruption -- An imperfect world