Bernard de Mandeville was a Dutch philosopher and political economist best known for his work "The Fable of the Bees." Born in 1670, he made significant contributions to the fields of moral philosophy and economics. Mandeville's ideas challenged conventional wisdom by linking private vices to public benefits, arguing that individual self-interest can lead to positive societal outcomes. His provocative stance stirred debate about morality and the role of self-interest in human behavior.
Mandeville posited that societal progress often arises from the pursuit of personal gain, suggesting that the desire for luxury and status fuels economic growth. His assertion that selfish motivations could inadvertently lead to a prosperous society was controversial and led to criticism from moralists and economists alike. Nonetheless, his ideas laid the groundwork for later economic theories and the concept of laissez-faire capitalism.