Subject
Folly -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Desiderius Erasmus
In Praise of Folly Illustrated with Many Curious Cuts
"In Praise of Folly" by Desiderius Erasmus is an oration written in Latin in 1509. In this spiraling satirical work, the personified goddess Folly praises herself while attacking every aspect of human life—from lovers and princes to superstitious religious practices and church corruption. What begins as playful mockery grows darker as Erasmus examines self-deception, madness, and the contrast between human wisdom and divine folly. The work ultimately pivots toward an orthodox Christian purpose, revealing deeper meaning beneath its satirical surface.
Desiderius Erasmus
The Praise of Folly
"The Praise of Folly" by Desiderius Erasmus is an oration written in Latin in 1509. In this Renaissance masterwork, the goddess Folly takes center stage to praise herself and mock every corner of human society—from lovers and princes to priests and scholars. What begins as playful satire grows increasingly sharp, targeting religious corruption and self-deception. Yet this spiraling attack contains a surprising twist: beneath the mockery lies an orthodox Christian message about divine wisdom and human foolishness, pivoting ultimately toward the folly of the cross.
Desiderius Erasmus
De Lof der Zotheid
"De Lof der Zotheid" by Desiderius Erasmus is a satirical work written in 1509. The goddess Folly delivers a speech praising herself and her gifts to humanity. She claims fools are happy and cheerful, while the wise are miserable and somber. Through Folly's voice, Erasmus critiques theologians, clergy, princes, and the Roman Catholic Church. The work explores the contrast between foolishness and wisdom, suggesting that human happiness depends more on pleasant delusion than rational thought.
Desiderius Erasmus
Das Lob der Narrheit
"Das Lob der Narrheit" by Desiderius Erasmus is a satirical work written in 1509 during his stay in England. In this ironic masterpiece, Folly herself takes the stage as a female speaker, praising her own virtues and influence over humanity. She claims dominion over all people—merchants, princes, monks, scholars, and clergy—exposing their vices and foolishness through witty rhetoric. With daughters named Self-Love, Flattery, Forgetfulness, Laziness, and Pleasure, Folly argues that human happiness depends on embracing absurdity rather than wisdom, creating a sharp mirror of Renaissance society.
Unknown
Les louanges de la Folie Traicté fort plaisant en forme de paradoxe, traduict d'Italien en François par feu messire Jehan du Thier
"Les louanges de la Folie" by Albergati, Du Thier, Landi, and Persio is a humorous treatise written in the late 16th century. This work takes the form of a paradoxical celebration of folly, presenting an unconventional argument for the benefits of folly in human life. The text suggests that folly is a source of joy and freedom, contrasting it with the burdens of wisdom and prudence that often lead to misery. The opening of the treatise begins with the speaker expressing a desire to praise folly, challenging the conventions of wisdom and reason. It posits that many people in history have been celebrated for their empty or frivolous contributions, setting the stage for why folly itself deserves acknowledgment and praise. The narrator emphasizes how folly brings happiness and diverts the painful realities of life, providing examples from different ages and cultures to highlight folly's vital role in human experience. Through this playful discourse, the author asserts that embracing folly can lead to a more content existence.
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