From the first moment that man was placed upon earth, he began his life
by pursuing the dictates of Folly, since which his successors have
continued to follow the example, and have improved by her precepts,
beyond what their forefathers could have conceived, or even hoped for.
Folly has invented every kind of excellence that is held in estimation
by mankind; luxury, magnificence, titles, honors, and riches. Folly
occasioned one set of men to rule their fellow creatures, and keep them
under subjection. What but folly could have induced men to search into
the bowels of the earth for iron, gold, precious stones, and a thousand
other useless baubles?--Even commerce herself would be banished if it
were not for Folly. How would so many lawyers, judges, fiddlers,
players, perfumers, embroiderers, and ten thousand other professions and
trades flourish, if it were not from Folly?
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