The idea of a human economy is at the centre of this volume. The mission statement of Berlin's Humboldt University states with regard to humanity that ‘there is still no better motive when it comes to the growth of knowledge and the future of education’. In a knowledge society, competent, critically reflective graduates who are committed to humanity are fundamental. But what does humanity mean between economic rationality and social responsibility, professional efficiency and personal autonomy, and between self-interest and solidarity? These and similar questions are explored in the articles in this volume, which were discussed by representatives of vocational and business education and economic education