Laugh at the rich, laugh at the poor: Humor about wealth

Author: (Canada) Stephen Leacock
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Compared to a poor person who is content despite their modest means, a wealthy person who is bored with their riches may not necessarily be happier. Whether you believe it or not, there are indeed poor people in the world who would not trade places with the rich. Take Diogenes the Cynic, the ancient Greek philosopher who lived in a large wooden tub like a dog, yet was content despite his poverty. When Alexander the Great asked him what help he needed, he simply replied, "Please don't block my sunlight." Clearly, he was a poor but happy person. His answer at least tells us that there are things in the world more valuable than wealth, such as sunlight, air, freedom, and humor. It is embarrassing to be penniless or have very little money; not only does one lack courage, but one's intelligence is also affected. This can be proven by the fact that those with little money often act indecisively and react slowly when faced with "astronomical prices" in high-end clothing stores. Money is important, but it is not everything. This is proven by the fact that many people are very wealthy, yet their intelligence has not grown as a result. This book collects seventeen humorous and satirical works about the rich and the poor by Canada's humorist and economist Stephen Leacock, the American humorist and novelist Mark Twain, and the American short story master O. Henry, including famous works such as "My Financial Career," "The Million Pound Bank Note," and "‘Each According to His Need.’"