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Pride and vanity have built more hospitals than all the…

“Pride and vanity have built more hospitals than all the virtues together,” quote by Bernard de Mandeville
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“Pride and vanity have built more hospitals than all the virtues together,”

Bernard de Mandeville

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pride and vanity drive people to build institutions like hospitals, suggesting self‑interest can yield societal benefits despite moral flaws.

In simple terms: Self‑interest can lead to public good, like hospitals.

Key Takeaway

Channel personal ambition toward community benefit.

Themes

pride vanity societal development

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • charitable fundraising
  • entrepreneurship
  • community projects

Key Concepts

self‑interest public good

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure altruism alongside self‑interest?
  • What safeguards prevent vanity from harming society?
A Different Perspective

Moral corruption can accompany such achievements.

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