The Fable of the Bees (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Philosophical ClassicBy Bernard Mandeville
Length24h 26m
About this audiobook
The Fable of the Bees is Bernard Mandeville's provocative moral and economic satire, centered on the paradox that "private vices" may generate "public benefits." Expanding from the poem "The Grumbling Hive," the work combines verse, prose commentary, social observation, and polemical argument to challenge classical and Christian ideals of virtue. Situated in the early eighteenth-century context of commercial expansion, it scrutinizes luxury, pride, labor, charity, and the emerging structures of market society. Mandeville, a Dutch-born physician who settled in England, brought to English letters the habits of a clinical observer and the skepticism of a moral anatomist. His medical training, cosmopolitan background, and experience of London's mercantile culture informed his unsentimental view of human motivation. Writing amid debates over politeness, commerce, and civic virtue, he exposed the self-interest hidden beneath respectable social conduct. This book is essential for readers interested in the origins of modern political economy, moral philosophy, and satire. It will especially reward those who value difficult, unsettling arguments that force reconsideration of virtue, prosperity, and the foundations of social order.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.9 (536)
Includes Goodreads, Amazon, LibraryThing
GenrePhilosophy
Length24 hrs 26 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateMay 16, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Ethics of Immanuel Kant
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5PART I.
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6PREFACE.
7THE GRUMBLING HIVE: OR, KNAVES TURN’D HONEST.
8THE MORAL.
9THE INTRODUCTION.
10AN INQUIRY INTO THE ORIGIN OF MORAL VIRTUE.
11REMARKS. (pt. 1)
12REMARKS. (pt. 2)
13REMARKS. (pt. 3)
14AN ESSAY ON CHARITY, AND CHARITY-SCHOOLS.
15A SEARCH INTO THE NATURE OF SOCIETY.
16A VINDICATION OF THE Book, from the Aspersions contained in a Presentment of the Grand Jury of Middlesex, And an Abusive Letter to Lord C——
17PART II.
18PREFACE.
19THE FIRST DIALOGUE. BETWEEN HORATIO, CLEOMENES, and FULVIA.
20THE SECOND DIALOGUE BETWEEN HORATIO AND CLEOMENES
21THE THIRD DIALOGUE BETWEEN HORATIO AND CLEOMENES.
22THE FOURTH DIALOGUE BETWEEN HORATIO AND CLEOMENES.
23THE FIFTH DIALOGUE BETWEEN HORATIO AND CLEOMENES.
24THE SIXTH DIALOGUE BETWEEN HORATIO AND CLEOMENES (pt. 1)
25THE SIXTH DIALOGUE BETWEEN HORATIO AND CLEOMENES (pt. 2)
26Analysis
27Reflection
28Memorable Quotes
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