Praise of Folly

"Praised of Folly," written by the scholar Erasmus in 1509, is a satirical essay that personifies Folly as a woman who humorously critiques human nature and societal norms. Through her voice, Erasmus highlights the absurdities and contradictions of human life, including the foolishness of pretentiousness and the shortcomings of religious and political leaders. The text serves as a warning against vanity and blind faith while promoting wisdom and self-reflection, making it a significant work of Renaissance humanism that encourages readers to embrace humility and question conventional wisdom.