How Good We Can Be: Ending the Mercenary Society and Building a Great Country

What must be done to create a Britain of tomorrow with an economy, society, and democracy in which the mass of citizens flourish

We are living through a crisis of capitalism. It is clear after the 20th century that without capitalism there is no economic dynamism and top down state control does not work: but equally without careful design of capitalist markets and institutions it quickly degrades into rent seeking, profiteering, short cuts, and exploitation that can overwhelm it. We know that open societies and economies in the long run are more innovative and prosperous, but openness is impossible without a basic commitment to proportional, fair reward. A business and financial elite that is so over-rewarded in its closed silos cannot drive innovation. The task is huge. The little consensus for change that existed has evaporated: the active element in our national discourse is of the nasty party, appealing to every worst instinct in the name of "Common Sense." But it is not yet dominant. It is time for the best in Britain to reassert itself. Will Hutton's brilliant, eye-opening arguments will show us how, with pride, purpose, and openness, the country can be rebuilt.