Mandeville

Famous quotes containing the word mandeville:

    Thus every Part was full of Vice,
    Yet the whole Mass a Paradise...
    The worst of all the Multitude
    Did something for the Common Good.
    ... ...Luxury
    Employ’d a Million of the Poor,
    And odious Pride a Million more...
    ... ...the very Poor
    Liv’d better than the Rich before...
    —Bernard De Mandeville (1670–1733)

    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.
    —Bernard De Mandeville (1670–1733)

    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 ever be precarious, whose Welfare must depend upon the Virtues and Consciences of Ministers and Politicians.
    —Bernard De Mandeville (1670–1733)