Believe Quote by Bernard de Mandeville
“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 carried away by this passion (sc. envy) in good earnest; yet I never met with any one who dared own he was guilty of it but in jest.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Fable of the Bees, 1714
People often feel envy but rarely admit it openly, especially when it’s serious; they may only acknowledge it jokingly.
In simple terms: Envy is common but rarely confessed seriously.
Recognize and own your feelings honestly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace dynamics
- family interactions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you hide envy behind jokes?
- How does admitting envy change relationships?
Envy can be masked by humor, making it harder to address.