Praise of Folly
“Yet in the midst of all their prosperity, princes in this respect seem to me most unfortunate, because, having no one to tell them the truth, they are forced to receive flatterers for friends.”
― Erasmus, Praise of Folly
Written from the viewpoint of the character Folly, Erasmus' "The Praise of Folly" is a satirical and perceptive work that examines the nature of foolishness and its place in society. Erasmus highlights the value of embracing joy and simplicity while simultaneously criticizing the religious and social conventions of his day through wit and irony.
Erasmus offers a biting but humorous critique of social evils, especially in the church and among the educated elite, through the character of Folly. The book examines how embracing foolishness—in the form of joy, pleasure, and a straightforward lifestyle—can be advantageous and even essential for contentment and kinship. The book also sheds important light on the early 16th-century social and religious climate, including the shift from medieval to modern ideas.
Using irony and a first-person narrative, the book is a masterwork of satire that makes for an engaging and thought-provoking read. For readers today, the book's examination of human nature, societal imperfections, and the pursuit of happiness is still pertinent and perceptive. Even readers who are not familiar with the era will find the book to be entertaining and captivating due to Erasmus's keen wit and sense of humor.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, "The Praise of Folly" provides an insightful perspective on the Renaissance and the shift to the Reformation.
Erasmus offers a biting but humorous critique of social evils, especially in the church and among the educated elite, through the character of Folly. The book examines how embracing foolishness—in the form of joy, pleasure, and a straightforward lifestyle—can be advantageous and even essential for contentment and kinship. The book also sheds important light on the early 16th-century social and religious climate, including the shift from medieval to modern ideas.
Using irony and a first-person narrative, the book is a masterwork of satire that makes for an engaging and thought-provoking read. For readers today, the book's examination of human nature, societal imperfections, and the pursuit of happiness is still pertinent and perceptive. Even readers who are not familiar with the era will find the book to be entertaining and captivating due to Erasmus's keen wit and sense of humor.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, "The Praise of Folly" provides an insightful perspective on the Renaissance and the shift to the Reformation.
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