Who said “The multitude will hardly believe the excessive force of education, and in the…”?

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Bernard Mandeville. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Fable of the Bees (1714)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“The multitude will hardly believe the excessive force of education, and in the difference of modesty between men and women, ascribe that to nature, which is altogether owing to early instruction: Miss is scarce three years old, but she's spoke to every day to hide her leg, and rebuked in good earnest if she shows it; whilst little Master at the same age is bid to take up his coats, and piss like a man.”
VerifiedThe Fable of the Bees (1714) · evidenceGender
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For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Fable of the Bees (1714).

APA

Mandeville, B. (n.d.). The multitude will hardly believe the excessive force of education, and in the difference of modesty between men and women, ascribe that to nature, which is altogether owing to early instruction: Miss is scarce three years old, but she's spoke to every day to hide her leg, and rebuked in good earnest if she shows it; whilst little Master at the same age is bid to take up his coats, and piss like a man. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/15183-the-multitude-will-hardly-believe-the-excessive-force/

MLA

Mandeville, Bernard. “The multitude will hardly believe the excessive force of education, and in the difference of modesty between men and women, ascribe that to nature, which is altogether owing to early instruction: Miss is scarce three years old, but she's spoke to every day to hide her leg, and rebuked in good earnest if she shows it; whilst little Master at the same age is bid to take up his coats, and piss like a man.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/15183-the-multitude-will-hardly-believe-the-excessive-force/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Mandeville, Bernard. “The multitude will hardly believe the excessive force of education, and in the difference of modesty between men and women, ascribe that to nature, which is altogether owing to early instruction: Miss is scarce three years old, but she's spoke to every day to hide her leg, and rebuked in good earnest if she shows it; whilst little Master at the same age is bid to take up his coats, and piss like a man.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/15183-the-multitude-will-hardly-believe-the-excessive-force/.