In Praise of Folly
by Desiderius Erasmus (1469–1536)
- Free to read
- 3 hours to read
- 3 chapters
- Reading level: College-level
"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.
- Folly · Early works to 1800
Read the opening
Epistle
TO
Sir THOMAS MORE.
IN my late travels from Italy into England, that I might not trifle away my time in the rehearsal of old wives' fables, I thought it more pertinent to employ my thoughts in reflecting upon some past studies, or calling to remembrance several of those highly learned, as well as smartly ingenious, friends I had here left behind, among whom you (dear Sir) were represented as the chief; whose memory, while absent at this distance, I respect with no less a complacency than I was wont while present to enjoy your more intimate conversation, which last afforded me the greatest satisfaction I could possibly hope for. Having therefore resolved to be a doing, and deeming that time improper for any serious concerns, I thought good to divert myself with drawing up a panegyrick upon Folly. How! what maggot (say you) put this in your head? Why, the first hint, Sir, was your own surname of More, which comes as near the literal sound of the word,* as you yourself are distant from the signification of it, and that in all men's judgments is vastly wide.
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About this edition
This free edition of In Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #30201, released 2009-10-06. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Essays, Letters & Speeches, Classics of Literature.
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