Franklin condemns drunkenness for the different ways it can impair judgement and behaviour. His progression from “fools” to “beasts” to “devils” is deliberately forceful: some people become merely foolish when intoxicated, others lose restraint and behave crudely, while others may become aggressive or destructive.

The saying reflects a concern with self-command and the consequences of excessive drinking rather than alcohol consumption in every circumstance. Intoxication can weaken judgement, reduce inhibition and change how a person treats others, sometimes with serious results. Franklin’s language is moralistic by modern standards, but its underlying point is that drunkenness can undermine qualities such as reason, restraint and responsibility. The broader lesson is that losing control through alcohol can alter conduct in ways that range from embarrassing to harmful, making moderation and self-awareness important safeguards.