Quotessence
Home / Authors / Bernard de Mandeville
Bernard de Mandeville

Bernard de Mandeville Quotes

Philosopher

Filter quotes by topic

AllMenIfsMayPeopleVirtueBuiltConcealingDesirePassionPoliticianPrideQualityWorldAppetiteBelieveCertainCreaturesDependsEarnestEnvy

Famous Bernard de Mandeville Quotes

“They that examine into the Nature of Man, abstract from Art and Education, may observe, that what renders him a Sociable Animal, consists not in his desire of Company, Good-nature, Pity, Affability, and other Graces of a fair Outside; but that his vilest and most hateful Qualities are the most necessary Accomplishments to fit him for the largest, and, according to the World, the happiest and most flourishing Societies.”

MenWorldMayArtDesireAnimalQualityCompanyGraceFitFairsPityAccomplishmentAbstractHatefulFlourishingNature Of ManGood NatureSociable
Book:The Fable of the Bees
Create image

“If laying aside all worldly Greatness and Vain-Glory, I should be ask'd where I thought it was most probable that Men might enjoy true Happiness, I would prefer a small peaceable Society, in which Men, neither envy'd nor esteem'd by Neighbours, should be contented to live upon the Natural Product of the Spot they inhabit, to a vast Multitude abounding in Wealth and Power, that should always be conquering others by their Arms Abroad, and debauching themselves by Foreign Luxury at Home.”

IfsMenShouldHomeMightAsksEnjoyNaturalWealthGreatnessProductsArmsGloryEnvyEsteemSpotsLuxuryConquerVainMultitudesWorldlyNeighbourTrue HappinessConquering Others
Book:The Fable of the Bees
Create image

“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
Create image

“One good Man may take another's Word, if they so agree, but a whole Nation ought never to trust to any Honesty, but what is built upon Necessity; for unhappy is the People, and their Constitution will be ever precarious, whose Welfare must depend upon the Virtues and Consciences of Ministers and Politicians.”

PeopleIfsMenMayWholeNationsVirtueHonestyDependsOughtPoliticianConscienceBuiltConstitutionAgreeUnhappyMinistersWelfareGood ManPrecarious
Author:Bernard de Mandeville
Create image

“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
Create image

“The multitude will hardly believe the excessive force of education, and in the difference of modesty between men and women, ascribe that to nature, which is altogether owing to early instruction: Miss is scarce three years old, but she's spoke to every day to hide her leg, and rebuked in good earnest if she shows it; whilst little Master at the same age is bid to take up his coats, and piss like a man.”

IfsMenYearsBelieveLittlesShowsAgeThreeForceDifferencesMissingMastersMen And WomenLegsSpokesThree YearsInstructionModestyMultitudesCoatsEarnestScarceOwingThree Year OldsExcessive Force
Book:The Fable of the Bees
Create image