The Praise of Folly

Definition

The Praise of Folly is a satirical work written by Erasmus in 1509 that critiques various societal norms, including the foolishness of human behavior, the corrupt practices within the Church, and the shortcomings of educated individuals. This work embodies key elements of Renaissance humanism by emphasizing the importance of individual thought, self-examination, and a return to the sources of classical learning. It highlights the need for reform in both church and society through humor and irony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Erasmus wrote The Praise of Folly while traveling in England, drawing inspiration from his observations of society and the Church.
2. The work is structured as a monologue delivered by Folly herself, personifying foolishness to critique various aspects of life.
3. One of the main themes is the criticism of blind adherence to dogma and authority, particularly within religious institutions.
4. The Praise of Folly is considered one of the earliest examples of Renaissance humanism's call for reform in education and morality.
5. Erasmus's use of humor and wit in the text served to engage readers while encouraging them to reflect on their own follies and societal issues.

Review Questions

• How does The Praise of Folly reflect the principles of Renaissance humanism?
  • The Praise of Folly reflects Renaissance humanism through its focus on individual thought and critical examination of societal norms. Erasmus uses satire to challenge established beliefs and encourages readers to question authority, particularly in religious contexts. This aligns with humanism's emphasis on returning to classical texts and valuing human experience as a means to foster personal growth and reform.
• Discuss how Erasmus employs satire in The Praise of Folly to critique the Church and society.
  • Erasmus employs satire in The Praise of Folly by using humor and irony to expose the foolishness present within the Church and society at large. By presenting Folly as a character who praises ignorance and blind faith, he highlights the contradictions within religious practices and critiques those who fail to think critically. This satirical approach invites readers to reconsider their beliefs and behaviors while recognizing their own follies.
• Evaluate the impact of The Praise of Folly on subsequent thought during the Renaissance period and its relevance today.
  • The Praise of Folly had a significant impact on subsequent thought during the Renaissance by inspiring movements for reform within the Church and educational systems. Its emphasis on critical thinking and individual reflection resonated with later thinkers and paved the way for Enlightenment ideas. Today, its themes remain relevant as they encourage ongoing discussions about the nature of wisdom, folly, and the importance of questioning societal norms, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire reflection.

Related terms

Erasmus:

A Dutch Renaissance humanist and theologian known for his scholarly works and advocacy for religious reform.

Humanism:

An intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized the value of human beings, individualism, and the study of classical texts.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms and behaviors.