Bernard De Mandeville

About the Author

Bernard de Mandeville (1670–1733) was a Dutch philosopher, satirist, and physician whose provocative writings challenged conventional moral and economic thought in 18th-century Europe. Born in Rotterdam, he studied medicine at Leiden University before settling in England, where he practiced as a doctor and immersed himself in the intellectual circles of London. Mandeville's sharp wit and unconventional ideas earned him both admiration and controversy, particularly for his exploration of human nature's selfish impulses as drivers of societal progress. His seminal work, The Fable of the Bees, presented a biting allegory that argued private vices could lead to public benefits, influencing thinkers like Adam Smith and sparking debates on ethics, economics, and the role of self-interest in civilization. Though often misunderstood in his time, Mandeville's legacy endures as a foundational voice in political philosophy and social critique.