ABSTRACT
Let us leave this last and very important question aside for the present: one reason for writing this book is precisely to help to arrive at a definition of a socialism that is feasible, that could work with reasonable effectiveness (since a socialism that does not function can be of little help to anyone). Let me put a few cards on the table, by explaining my motives and my starting point. In doing so I shall make some very sweeping generalisations. The reader will, I trust, forgive me if I do not write a long essay defending each general statement and modifying it to fit the many exceptions and modifications that it doubtless needs.
