Dutch-born Bernard Mandeville followed in his father's footsteps when he completed his medical degree in 1691 at the University of Leyden. He had a modest medical practice and is best known for his satirical social commentaries, notably The Fable of Bees, Or Private Vices, Public Benefits.

Little is known of Mandeville's private life. He was born in Rotterdam in 1670 and baptized there in November of that year. Although he entered the University of Leyden with the intention of becoming a physician, he enrolled initially as a student of philosophy. Upon completing his medical studies, he decided to specialize in nervous disorders, like his father's.

Mandeville traveled to England not long after completing his studies to learn the English language better. He decided to stay, adopting the contemporary attitude that English society was the most advanced in Europe. He married Ruth Elizabeth Laurence on February 1, 1669 and was the father of...