The Philosopher

Bernard de Mandeville

The face

The background

Nationality:
Anglo-Dutch
Schools:
Classical economics
Branchs:
Political philosophy, Ethics, Economics
Period:
18th-century philosophy

The synopsis

Bernard Mandeville, born in Rotterdam on November 15, 1670, was an Anglo-Dutch philosopher, political economist, satirist, writer, and physician who spent most of his life in England. He gained significant fame for his work "The Fable of the Bees; or, Private Vices, Public Benefits," first published in 1714, which argued that the vices of individuals, such as greed and luxury, are essential drivers of economic prosperity and social progress. Mandeville's thesis contrasted sharply with the prevailing moral and philosophical views of his time, suggesting that societal advancement was fueled by self-interest rather than virtue alone. He posited that a society of perfectly virtuous individuals would likely fall into apathy and economic decline. His writings, often satirical, explored complex ideas about human nature, morality, and the functioning of markets, influencing thinkers like Adam Smith and later economists. Mandeville also wrote on topics such as hypochondria and hysteria, drawing from his medical background. He died on January 21, 1733, in Hackney, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of provocative thought that continues to be debated.

The works

The quotes

The only thing of weight that can be said against modern honor is that it is directly opposite to religion. The one bids you bear injuries with patience, the other tells you if you don't resent them, you are not fit to live.
Bernard de Mandeville
People of substance may sin without being exposed for their stolen pleasure; but servants and the poorer sort of women have seldom an opportunity of concealing a big belly, or at least the consequences of it.
Bernard de Mandeville
Because impudence is a vice, it does not follow that modesty is a virtue; it is built upon shame, a passion in our nature, and may be either good or bad according to the actions performed from that motive.
Bernard de Mandeville
We seldom call anybody lazy, but such as we reckon inferior to us, and of whom we expect some service.
Bernard de Mandeville
No habit or quality is more easily acquired than hypocrisy, nor any thing sooner learned than to deny the sentiments of our hearts and the principle we act from: but the seeds of every passion are innate to us, and nobody comes into the world without them.
Bernard de Mandeville
There is no intrinsic worth in money but what is alterable with the times, and whether a guinea goes for twenty pounds or for a shilling, it is the labor of the poor and not the high and low value that is set on gold or silver, which all the comforts of life must arise from.
Bernard de Mandeville