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Mentioned in 1 episodes
The Grumbling Hive
Book •
The Grumbling Hive, or Knaves Turn’d Honest, describes a prosperous hive whose inhabitants are individually corrupt, vain, greedy, and deceitful.
When they suddenly become virtuous, the hive loses its wealth, luxury, and economic vitality.
Mandeville uses the paradox to argue that private vices can generate public benefits through commerce and social competition.
The work provoked controversy because it challenged conventional moral claims about virtue and prosperity.
It became an important precursor to later discussions of self-interest, markets, and unintended social consequences.
When they suddenly become virtuous, the hive loses its wealth, luxury, and economic vitality.
Mandeville uses the paradox to argue that private vices can generate public benefits through commerce and social competition.
The work provoked controversy because it challenged conventional moral claims about virtue and prosperity.
It became an important precursor to later discussions of self-interest, markets, and unintended social consequences.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 1 episodes
Mentioned by Amor Fati to compare Pangloss’s claim that private misfortunes benefit society with Mandeville’s argument about private vices and public benefit.
14 snips
152: Voltaire - Candide
