31 pages • 1 hour read
Praise Of Folly
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (c. 1466-1536) was one of the most influential Renaissance humanists, and his 1509 satire Praise of Folly has become his best-known and most popular work. Originally written in Latin, the book is presented as a long speech or “declamation” delivered by a personified Folly. Erasmus uses the character of Folly as a mouthpiece to criticize and to poke fun at the foibles of human nature in general as well as many of the institutions and mores of his day, both within and outside the church. Using sarcasm, irony, wit, and a wealth of erudite allusions to classical literature, Erasmus depicts folly as a potent force in human affairs. The book concludes with a depiction of sincere Christian belief as a positive and redemptive form of folly that has the potential to give humankind a sense of spiritual ecstasy while elevating humans above the cares of the world.
Erasmus claimed to have written Praise of Folly in one week while staying at the home of his friend Sir Thomas More in London; the book’s Latin title, Moriae Unlock all 31 pages of this Study Guide Plus, gain access to 8,900+ more expert-written Study Guides. Including features:
