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… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share 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… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
What a vast Traffick is drove, what a variety of Labour is performed in the World to the Maintenance of Thousands of Families that… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
We seldom call anybody lazy, but such as we reckon inferior to us, and of whom we expect some service. — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
No habit or quality is more easily acquired than hypocrisy, nor any thing sooner learned than to deny the sentiments of our hearts and… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
I don't believe that there is a human creature in his senses, arrived to maturity, that at some time or other has not been… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
Some People are not to be persuaded to taste of any Creatures they have daily seen and been acquainted with, while they were alive;… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share 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… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share 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… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
People of substance may sin without being exposed for their stolen pleasure; but servants and the poorer sort of women have seldom an opportunity… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
Because impudence is a vice, it does not follow that modesty is a virtue; it is built upon shame, a passion in our nature,… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
Those who get their living by their daily labor . . . have nothing to stir them up to be serviceable but their wants… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
They that examine into the Nature of Man, abstract from Art and Education, may observe, that what renders him a Sociable Animal, consists not… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
The only thing of weight that can be said against modern honor is that it is directly opposite to religion. The one bids you… — Bernard de Mandeville Copy Share Image
