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Those who get their living by their daily labor . . . have…

“Those who get their living by their daily labor . . . have nothing to stir them up to be serviceable but their wants which it is a prudence to relieve, but folly to cure.” quote by Bernard de Mandeville
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“Those who get their living by their daily labor . . . have nothing to stir them up to be serviceable but their wants which it is a prudence to relieve, but folly to cure.”

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.

People driven solely by personal need lack motivation to serve others, making self‑interest the only driver of labor.

In simple terms: Self‑interest fuels work, not altruism.

Key Takeaway

Recognize personal needs as motivators.

Themes

self‑interest labor motivation

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical sociological

When to use this quote

  • workplace productivity
  • community volunteering
  • social welfare
  • policy design

Key Concepts

economics human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal need drives your work?
  • Can self‑interest coexist with genuine service?
A Different Perspective

Assumes all labor is self‑serving, ignoring intrinsic altruism.

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