Agree Quote by Bernard de Mandeville
“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 is built upon Necessity; for unhappy is the People, and their Constitution will ever be precarious, whose Welfare must depend upon the Virtuesand Consciences of Ministers and Politicians.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Fable of the Bees, 1714
A nation cannot rely on abstract honesty alone; it must be built on practical necessity and the virtues of its leaders.
In simple terms: Society needs practical foundations and virtuous leaders.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtuous leadership and practical policies.
Themes
politics
society
leadership
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government
- community building
- policy making
- public trust
Key Concepts
social contract
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders balance virtue with necessity?
- What practical measures ensure societal stability?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic trust may ignore real constraints.
![“[I]n framing a Government for a nation we ought, in those provisions which are designed to be permanent, to calculate not on temporary, but on permanent causes of expence.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/alexander-hamilton-619_causes_i-n-framing-a-government-for-a-nation-we_1783281.jpg)
![“I will not agree to have this bill [to repeal DADT ] go forward, because our economy is in the tank.” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c2c/john-mccain-465_agree_i-will-not-agree-to-have-this-bill-to-re_7321.jpg)
