“It is visible then that it was not any Heathen Religion or other Idolatrous Superstition, that first put Man upon crossing his Appetites and subduing his dearest Inclinations, but the skilful Management of wary Politicians; and the nearer we search into human Nature, the more we shall be convinced, that the Moral Virtues are the Political Offspring which Flattery begot upon Pride.” MenFirstsHumansPoliticalMoralVirtueHuman NaturePridePoliticianManagementConvincedVisibleAppetiteSuperstitionsFlatteryInclinationCrossingsOffspringHeathenMoral Virtues Book:The Fable of the Bees Source: The Fable of the Bees
“Ashamed of the many frailties they feel within, all men endeavor to hide themselves, their ugly nakedness, from each other, and wrapping up the true motives of their hearts in the specious cloak of sociableness, and their concern for the public good, they are in hopes of concealing their filthy appetites and the deformity of their desires.” MenFeelsHeartDesireConcernShameUglyMotiveAshamedEndeavorAppetiteCloaksFilthyFrailtyPublic GoodWrappingConcealingDeformityWrapping Up Author:Bernard de Mandeville