Aus der Geschichte der menschlichen Dummheit

The author offers a concise critical survey of religiously grounded error, examining how literal scriptural authority and claims of divine inspiration have fostered persistent misconceptions. He analyzes practices such as asceticism, witch- and devil-hysteria, ritualized dress and institutional coercion that have reinforced credulity across eras. The book traces continuities between medieval phenomena and later manifestations, showing how doctrinal literalism shapes social and political power. It considers the mechanisms by which communities accept and perpetuate collective folly and assesses efforts to resist such tendencies. Chapters are organized thematically and conclude with a bibliography of sources.