The Fable Of The Bees

The Fable of the Bees: Or Private Vices, Public Benefits is a satirical work of literature written by Bernard Mandeville in 1728. The book is divided into two parts and is an extended allegory about a hive of bees. The first part of the book describes the bees as hardworking and virtuous creatures, but as soon as they become idle and selfish, the hive becomes prosperous. The second part of the book discusses the nature of human society and how private vices can lead to public benefits. Mandeville argues that selfishness and greed are actually beneficial to society because they drive individuals to work harder and create more wealth. He also critiques the idea of moral virtue and argues that it is often used as a means of social control rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of others. The book was controversial in its time and sparked a debate about the role of morality in society. It remains a classic work of literature that challenges conventional ideas about ethics and economics.With An Essay On Charity And Charity Schools, And A Search Into The Nature Of Society.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.