“The first Rudiments of Morality, broach'd by skilful Politicians, to render Men useful to each other as well as tractable, were chiefly contrived that the Ambitious might reap the more Benefit from, and govern vast Numbers of them with the greater Ease and Security.” MenFirstsWellsMightNumbersGreaterSecurityPoliticianMoralityBenefitsEaseAmbitiousReap Book:The Fable of the Bees Source: The Fable of the Bees
“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
“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
