The Way To Wealth

Franklin uses wit and humor to expose human frailty and weakness in many of his writings including “The Way to Wealth.” Poor Richard’s aphorisms, written in pithy, simple language, especially illuminate various pitfalls of behavior many men and women will recognize. Although he incorporates humor into his writing, Franklin’s intention is to do more than satirize the human frailty and weakness he observes in society; rather, Franklin seeks to help his readers improve their situations and enjoy their lives by providing them with practical advice.

The practice of advice-giving presumes that the audience receiving the advice has shortcomings in need of correction. Franklin’s words acknowledge these shortcomings with honesty, but his tone is not pretentious nor is it superior. Instead, he writes in a wholesome and genial style, and the mild and entertaining nature of his writings invites knowing laughter from readers as well as greater discernment of the challenges that most men and women face in their daily lives. Although human frailty and weakness may be inevitable, humans are not necessarily hopeless; with a little guidance, like the guidance Franklin attempts to provide, frailty can transform into strength.