Bernard Mandeville's Fable of the Bees: A Country built on vices.

Human vices have commonly been known to man as ultimately wicked and in no way beneficial to society or to the well-being of the public. Selfishness and greed are frowned upon by the masses while virtue, prudence, and empathy are praised, which in most situations is valid as praiseworthy. To many the idea that the United States was found on such corrupt vices would seem absurd; however, as put forth by Bernard Mandeville's The Fable …

…their worst vices. Acting out such vices ultimately does improve society, such as long as controlled and kept suppressed. However, those who do act upon their self-liking, and greed will suffer, but from their shameless acts, many more will be blessed. Mandeville was definitely ahead of his time, as well as his theories, but to take the time and reflect on his ideas, this happy cynic is absolutely right, in the end vice imitates virtue.