Bernard Mandeville fu un filosofo, economista politico e satirico. Guadagnò fama come acuto osservatore e critico della natura umana e delle convenzioni sociali. Attraverso l'ironia e l'allegoria, smascherò l'ipocrisia e l'interesse personale che si nascondono sotto la patina della virtù apparente. Il suo lavoro stimola la riflessione sul complesso rapporto tra desideri individuali e bene collettivo.
The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance. While it may feature imperfections like marks and notations due to its age, the reprint aims to maintain the integrity of the text. This edition reflects a commitment to protecting and promoting important literature, making it accessible in a modern format that honors the original.
This work is recognized for its significant insights into the relationship between individual behavior and societal welfare. By exploring the paradox that private vices can lead to public benefits, it offers a thought-provoking perspective on morality and economics. The book has been carefully reformatted and retyped for clarity and readability, ensuring that its important themes remain accessible to contemporary and future readers.
The Fable of the Bees begins with a poem and continues with a number of essays and dialogues. It is all tied together by the startling and original idea that “private vices” (self-interest) lead to “publick benefits” (the development and operation of society). From that simple beginning, Mandeville saw that orderly social structures (such as law, language, the market, and even the growth of knowledge) were a spontaneous growth developing out of individual human actions
This classic philosophical work explores the complex relationship between individual self-interest and the common good. The author argues that private vices can lead to collective benefits and that a just society is one that embraces the pursuit of self-interest. Along with the philosophical arguments, the book also contains a critique of the charitable institutions of the time and their impact on society. A thought-provoking read that remains relevant to this day.
Set in 1732, the book explores the controversial views of Mandeville regarding the origins of moral virtue, challenging the notion that all moral principles are divinely instituted. The dialogues delve into the idea that even virtues attributed to non-Christians may be human inventions, provoking strong reactions at the time. The text is presented in Old English, and readers should be aware that some pages may be faded or difficult to read due to the age and rarity of the original work.
The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote literature by providing an affordable, high-quality edition that remains true to the original text, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage in the literary world.
The book is recognized for its significant impact on human history, leading to its modern republication by Alpha Editions. It features a complete reformatting and redesign, ensuring clarity and readability, as it is not a scanned copy of the original. This effort aims to preserve the work for current and future generations, highlighting its enduring importance.
Or Female Dialogues Betwixt An Elderly Maiden Lady And Her Niece (1724)
The book features a series of witty dialogues between an elderly maiden and her niece, tackling themes of love, marriage, and female sexuality. With a satirical tone, it critiques traditional societal views on women's roles and emphasizes the importance of female desire and sexual satisfaction. Initially deemed scandalous and banned in some regions, it is now recognized as a significant early feminist text that challenges norms and explores women's experiences. This facsimile reprint preserves its cultural importance and literary value.