unforgotten theory
Private Vices and a Just Society.
Posted by The Happy Tutor
In 1714 Mandeville's Fable of the Bees demonstrated that Private Vices are Public Benefits. Whether Wall Street, a Casino, a Bondage Bordello, or a Gin Mill, not only greed but all vices are good for business. But are they good for us? (RE: Bill Bennett's gambling addiction and comments by AKMA and Jonathon Delacour.)
Not many people have read the fable of the bees, but you should know that it is primarily written in verse, it is written with a significant level of criticism toward early political economy and its embedding of the mores of the the church. Not a bad bit of writing though, fascinating for its day. Next thing you know someone will be bringing up Saint-Simon or the like
