The Praise of Folly

"The Praise of Folly," written by Erasmus in 1509, is a satirical essay where Folly, personified as a woman, celebrates ignorance and foolishness. Through witty and playful arguments, she critiques various aspects of society, including religion, education, and human behavior, exposing the hypocrisy and absurdity in people's beliefs and practices. Erasmus uses irony to challenge the idea that wisdom is always superior, suggesting that folly can reveal deeper truths about human nature. The work encourages readers to reflect on their values and the nature of knowledge, highlighting the complexities of wisdom and ignorance in everyday life.