# In Praise of Folly

> 1509 essay by Desiderius Erasmus

**Wikidata**: [Q569869](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q569869)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Praise_of_Folly)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/in-praise-of-folly

## Summary  
*In Praise of Folly* is a seminal 1509 satirical essay by Dutch Renaissance humanist Desiderius Erasmus, critiquing societal norms, the Catholic Church, and superstitions through humor and irony. Written in Latin as *Moriae Encomium*, it remains a foundational work of Renaissance literature and Christian humanism.  

## Key Facts  
- **Written**: 1509  
- **Published**: 1511  
- **Author**: Desiderius Erasmus (Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and theologian, 1466–1536)  
- **Genres**: Satire, literary work  
- **Aliases**: *The Praise of Folly*, *Moriae Encomium*, *In Praise of More*  
- **Related Works**: Preceded by Erasmus’s *Handbook of a Christian Knight*  
- **Sitelink Count**: 51 (Wikidata)  
- **Wikipedia Title**: *In Praise of Folly*  
- **Erasmus’s Occupations**: Theologian, priest, humanist, philosopher, linguist, and social critic  

## FAQs  
**Q: Who wrote *In Praise of Folly*?**  
A: Dutch Renaissance scholar Desiderius Erasmus authored the essay in 1509.  

**Q: What genre is *In Praise of Folly*?**  
A: It is a satirical literary work that uses parody and humor to critique societal and religious practices.  

**Q: What other works is *In Praise of Folly* associated with?**  
A: It followed Erasmus’s *Handbook of a Christian Knight*, reflecting his broader focus on ethical and spiritual reform.  

**Q: Why is the publication date later than the writing date?**  
A: Erasmus completed the essay in 1509 but revised and published it in 1511, expanding its reach across Europe.  

**Q: What makes *In Praise of Folly* historically significant?**  
A: It epitomized Renaissance humanism, challenging dogma and advocating for critical thinking, while influencing the Protestant Reformation.  

## Why It Matters  
*In Praise of Folly* is a landmark critique of medieval scholasticism, ecclesiastical corruption, and societal folly, embodying the Renaissance shift toward humanism and intellectual freedom. Its witty, accessible style made it widely popular, ensuring its role as both a literary masterpiece and a catalyst for religious reform. The essay’s emphasis on inner faith over ritual resonated with reformers like Martin Luther, while its universal themes of hypocrisy and ignorance remain relevant today.  

## Notable For  
- **Satirical Innovation**: Uses personification (Folly as a goddess) to lampoon clergy, scholars, and politicians.  
- **Humanist Manifesto**: Champions reason, classical learning, and ethical Christianity.  
- **Enduring Influence**: Remains a staple of Western literature, studied for its insight into Renaissance thought and satire.  
- **Multilingual Legacy**: Translated into numerous languages, broadening its impact beyond scholarly circles.  

## Body  
### History and Background  
*In Praise of Folly* was written in 1509 during Erasmus’s stay in England, where he interacted with humanist thinkers like Thomas More. The essay was published in 1511, with subsequent editions incorporating revisions and expanding its critique of Church practices.  

### Structure and Content  
The work is structured as a speech by Folly, who praises foolishness as essential to human life while satirizing:  
- **Clergy**: For greed, ignorance, and hypocrisy.  
- **Scholars**: For pedantry and irrelevant theological debates.  
- **Superstitions**: Such as relic worship and indulgences.  
- **Society**: Nobles, merchants, and commoners are mocked for their vanity and folly.  

### Related Works  
Erasmus’s earlier *Handbook of a Christian Knight* (1503) laid the groundwork for *In Praise of Folly* by outlining his vision of practical, ethical Christianity. Both works reflect his commitment to reform through education and moral integrity.  

### Author Context  
Erasmus (1466–1536), a Dutch polymath, was a leading figure of Northern Renaissance humanism. His occupations included:  
- Theologian and priest.  
- Philosopher and linguist (expert in Greek and Latin).  
- Social critic and advocate for Church reform.  
His works sought to reconcile classical learning with Christian ideals, earning him both acclaim and controversy.  

### Legacy and Impact  
The essay’s satire directly influenced the Protestant Reformation by exposing Church abuses, though Erasmus himself remained Catholic. Its humanist ideals—emphasizing individualism, critical inquiry, and the study of classical texts—shaped European intellectual history. Today, *In Praise of Folly* is celebrated for its literary brilliance and its role in bridging medieval and modern thought.  

### Cultural and Academic Significance  
- **Literary Technique**: Its use of irony and paradox raised the satire genre to new sophistication.  
- **Theological Debate**: Erasmus’s critiques of dogma and ritual contributed to debates that fueled the Reformation.  
- **Educational Reform**: The essay promoted humanist education, prioritizing classical texts and moral philosophy.  
- **Translations and Editions**: Over 70 editions were printed in Erasmus’s lifetime, cementing its status as a Renaissance bestseller.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Goodreads