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In Praise of Folly / Illustrated with Many Curious Cuts cover

In Praise of Folly / Illustrated with Many Curious Cuts

By Desiderius Erasmus
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About This Book

A satirical monologue delivered by a personified Folly that extols the comforts and advantages of foolishness while exposing human pretensions and self-deception. Using irony, witty anecdote, and classical learning, the piece ridicules religious observance, scholarly pedantry, political ambition, and popular superstition, showing how folly underpins many social customs. Its tone alternates between playful praise and sharp critique, aiming to provoke moral self-awareness and to advocate moderation, humor, and intellectual humility.

About the Author

Erasmus, Desiderius portrait

Desiderius Erasmus

Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch Renaissance humanist and theologian, is best known for his critical and satirical works that challenged the religious and social norms of his time. Born in Rotterdam around 1466, he became a prominent figure in the intellectual movement that emphasized the importance of education and classical learning. His most famous work, "In Praise of Folly," critiques the superstitions and corrupt practices of the Church, blending humor with sharp insight. Erasmus's dialogues, such as "A Merry Dialogue Declaringe the Properties of Shrowde Shrews and Honest Wives," showcase his wit and ability to engage with complex ideas through accessible conversation. His contributions to literature and thought continue to influence modern perspectives on education, religion, and society.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
A dialoge or communication of two persons / Deuysyd and set forthe in the late[n] tonge, by the noble and famose clarke. Desiderius Erasmus intituled [the] pylgremage of pure deuotyon. Newly tra[n]slatyd into Englishe. cover A dialoge or communication of two persons / Deuysyd and set forthe in the late[n] tonge, by the noble and famose clarke. Desiderius Erasmus intituled [the] pylgremage of pure deuotyon. Newly tra[n]slatyd into Englishe. by Desiderius Erasmus A Merry Dialogue Declaringe the Properties of Shrowde Shrews and Honest Wives cover A Merry Dialogue Declaringe the Properties of Shrowde Shrews and Honest Wives by Desiderius Erasmus A Modest Meane to Mariage / pleasauntly set foorth by that famous Clarke Erasmus Roterodamus, and translated into Englishe by N.L. cover A Modest Meane to Mariage / pleasauntly set foorth by that famous Clarke Erasmus Roterodamus, and translated into Englishe by N.L. by Desiderius Erasmus A Very Pleasaunt & Fruitful Diologe Called the Epicure cover A Very Pleasaunt & Fruitful Diologe Called the Epicure by Desiderius Erasmus Das Lob der Narrheit cover Das Lob der Narrheit by Desiderius Erasmus De Lof der Zotheid cover De Lof der Zotheid by Desiderius Erasmus

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