Bernard Mandeville
Bernard Mandeville was a Dutch physician and writer, born in 1670 in Dordrecht, Holland. After earning his medical degree from Leiden University in 1691, he practiced medicine in England, primarily focusing on stomach and nerve disorders. However, due to a lack of patients, he shifted his efforts towards writing. Mandeville's most notable work, "The Fable of the Bees," originally published in verse as "The Grumbling Hive" in 1705, critiques societal morals and the interplay between private vices and public benefits, ultimately gaining popularity over time despite a slow start. In addition to this seminal text, he authored various works, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, addressing topics from medicine to political and social commentary. His other notable writings include "The Virgin Unmask'd" and critiques of government and religion. Mandeville lived in London with his family until his death in 1733, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be explored in discussions on morality and economics.
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Bernard Mandeville
Philosopher
- Born: November 30, 1670
- Birthplace: Dordrecht, Holland
- Died: February 1, 1733
Biography
Bernard Mandeville was born in 1670 in Dordrecht, Holland. Coming from a long line of physicians and military officers, Mandeville earned his medical degree in 1691 from Leiden University. After graduation he began to practice medicine in England, specializing in stomach and nerve disorders. Receiving few patients, he quit his practice and devoted his time to writing. He was married in 1699, and he and his wife had two children.
In 1714 Mandeville published The Fable of the Bees, or Private Vices, Publick Benefits. Originally written in verse as The Grumbling Hive: Or, Knaves Turned Honest (1705), it was not widely received after its initial publication. Over time, it found growing popularity and several reprints. While The Fable of the Bees was Mandeville’s most popular work, he went on to publish more works of poetry as well as serious fiction such as The Virgin Unmask’d in 1709 and A Letter to Dion in 1732.
Mandeville also wrote numerous works of nonfiction. He continued his work in medicine with 1711’s A Treatise of the Hypochondriak and Hysterick Passions. Mandeville’s writings even dabbled in politics and social criticism with The Mischiefs that Ought to be Justly Apprehended from a Whig- Government in 1714, Free Thoughts on Religion, the Church and National Happiness in 1720, and An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at the Tyburn in 1725.
Though Mandeville showed a dedication to writing, none of his works found the popularity of The Fable of the Bees. He continued to live in London with his wife and family until his death in 1733.