Though I have tried to give every chapter a unity, this book is no collection of papers. It is the exposition and defense of a thesis on the self, rationality, and the social world in the order I found most convincing. I think it is best to follow it, though I do not want to exclude that a reader who follows another order can come to a better understanding.

In writing the book I found most agreeable and useful help for which I want to express my gratitude: to Sabine Jentsch for her discussion of many topics, in particular that of perfectionism, for asking so many intelligent questions, so few of which I was able to answer, and for pointing out a lot of mistakes; to Thomas Besch for confirming my intention to write the book; to Radu Bogdan for practical advice; to Robin Turner for correcting my English and commenting on my views; and to Ed Dunkley for the interest he showed in my book. Of course, neither they nor anyone else can be blamed for the mistakes that have survived. I also found it agreeable to think that the book might be of use for my children and grandchildren, to whom I dedicate it.

Important though I think my reflections are, I am fully aware how far they are from exhausting our understanding of the self, rationality, and the social world.