Appetite Quote by Bernard de Mandeville
“Ashamed of the many frailties they feel within, all men endeavor to hide themselves, their ugly nakedness, from each other, and wrapping up the true motives of their hearts in the specious cloak of sociableness, and their concern for the public good, they are in hopes of concealing their filthy appetites and the deformity of their desires.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Fable of the Bees by Bernard de Mandeville, 1714
People hide their true, selfish motives behind a façade of social respectability, pretending to act for the public good while concealing personal vices.
In simple terms: People mask selfish desires with polite behavior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront hidden motives.
Themes
hypocrisy
selfishness
social masks
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- personal relationships
- organizational culture
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
human nature
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives do you conceal behind politeness?
- How does social respectability enable selfish behavior?
A Different Perspective
Such concealment can erode trust and prevent genuine cooperation.
