The Praise of Folly by Erasmus of Rotterdam

The Praise of Folly by Erasmus of Rotterdam is a satirical and ironic work published in 1511 that left an indelible mark on European culture.

In this essay, written in Latin, Erasmus, speaking through Folly herself, celebrates her virtues and effects on society, delivering a sharp critique of human vices and foolishness.

A Satirical and Provocative Work

The work is structured as a speech delivered by Folly in person, addressing an audience of scholars and intellectuals. With a humorous and lighthearted tone, Folly enumerates her domains, which encompass nearly all aspects of human life: from religion to politics, from love to war, and from philosophy to medicine.

Targets of Erasmus’s Satire

Erasmus spares no one:

• Church: He criticizes the hypocrisy of many clergymen, the excessive devotion to rituals and superstitions, and the sale of indulgences.
• Philosophers: He mocks sophists and scholastics, accusing them of turning philosophy into a sterile exercise and using obscure, incomprehensible language.
• Politicians: He denounces corruption and the ambition of the powerful, highlighting the absurdity of wars and power struggles.
• Humanists: Even humanists are not spared, as Erasmus accuses them of excessive formalism and intellectual vanity.

A Work of Timeless Relevance

Although written over five centuries ago, The Praise of Folly retains extraordinary relevance today. Erasmus’s criticisms of his time still resonate, inviting readers to reflect on their behaviors and institutions.

Why Read The Praise of Folly?

• To laugh at our flaws: Erasmus’s irony and sarcasm invite us to smile at our defects and foolishness.
• To reflect on society: The work encourages constructive criticism of society, prompting us to think about the values and ideals guiding our actions.
• To appreciate Erasmus’s depth of thought: The Praise of Folly is rich in meanings and allusions, showcasing the depth of Erasmus’s culture and thought.

In Conclusion

The Praise of Folly transcends mere satire, offering a profound reflection on the human condition and society. It is a book that continues to make us laugh and think—an enduring work worth reading and rereading.

The Influence of The Praise of Folly on European Culture

Erasmus’s Praise of Folly had a profound and lasting influence on European culture, far beyond the mere entertainment value of its sharp satire.

1. Dissemination of Humanism: The work helped spread Humanism, a cultural movement aimed at reviving classical values and promoting reform in society and the Church.
2. Social Criticism: Erasmus’s satire encouraged critical reflection on society, denouncing vices, hypocrisies, and injustices. It inspired many authors to use satire as a tool for social critique.
3. Church Reform: The work anticipated many criticisms later raised by the Protestant Reformation, contributing to a climate of dissent and calls for change.
4. Spread of Written Culture: The Praise of Folly was translated into numerous languages and distributed across Europe, fostering the spread of written culture and literacy.
5. Birth of Modern Satirical Literature: Erasmus’s work laid the groundwork for the development of modern satire, influencing authors such as Rabelais, Swift, and Voltaire.

Its enduring impact stems from its ability to capture the discontents and contradictions of its time while offering a critique that is both incisive and entertaining.

The Relationship Between Erasmus and the Protestant Reformation

Erasmus of Rotterdam and the Protestant Reformation are closely linked phenomena.

• Common Ground: Both Erasmus and Protestant reformers, especially Martin Luther, criticized the hypocrisy and corruption of the Church, emphasizing the importance of personal faith and the Bible as the sole authority.
• Differences: Despite shared views, significant differences existed. Erasmus, as a humanist, sought peaceful reform within the Church, while reformers like Luther and Calvin were more radical, advocating a complete break with Rome.
• Mutual Influence: Erasmus influenced Protestant reformers, providing them with intellectual tools to critique the Church. At the same time, the Protestant Reformation accelerated the process of change initiated by Erasmus.

Although Erasmus never openly joined the Reformation, he is considered one of its forerunners. His work contributed to creating the cultural climate that made the Protestant Reformation possible.

The Influence of The Praise of Folly on Italian Literature

Erasmus’s work deeply influenced Italian literature, especially the satirical genre. Notable examples include:

• Ariosto: The author of Orlando Furioso was undoubtedly influenced by Erasmus. In Orlando Furioso, one finds a refined and subtle satire of contemporary society, with characters embodying vices and follies.
• Berni: The burlesque poet, known for his parodic reworkings of classical works, likely drew upon Erasmus’s irony and sarcasm.
• Machiavelli: While not directly related to The Praise of Folly, Machiavelli’s The Prince offers a lucid and unflinching analysis of political power, aligning in some ways with Erasmus’s critical spirit.
• Commedia dell’arte: The theater of commedia dell’arte, with its archetypal characters and comedic scenarios, partially reflects the influence of Erasmus’s satire.

In general, Erasmus’s work fostered a taste for satire, irony, and social criticism, elements that characterize much of subsequent Italian literature.

Erasmus and Thomas More

Erasmus of Rotterdam and Thomas More were two humanists and friends who shared many intellectual interests. Both criticized the Church and society of their time and devoted themselves to the translation and study of classical texts.

• Friendship and Mutual Esteem: The two intellectuals held each other in high regard and maintained a lively correspondence. For example, More wrote an introduction to the English edition of The Praise of Folly.
• Different Approaches: Despite their affinities, there were differences. More, while sharing Erasmus’s criticisms of the Church, was more committed to Catholic tradition and did not share Erasmus’s vision of radical reform.
• Mutual Influence: Erasmus’s ideas shaped More’s thought, while More’s Utopia offered a model of an ideal society that inspired many European intellectuals.

Criticisms of The Praise of Folly

Despite its success, The Praise of Folly has faced criticism, including:

1. Superficiality: Some critics have accused Erasmus of superficiality, arguing that his satire merely denounced vices without proposing concrete solutions.
2. Relativism: Others have criticized Erasmus’s relativism, claiming that his worldview was overly skeptical and lacked a solid foundation for morality.
3. Lack of Engagement: Some have accused Erasmus of not going far enough in his criticism, failing to actively engage in the reform of the Church and society.

In Conclusion

The Praise of Folly is a complex and multifaceted work that continues to provoke interest and debate. Despite its criticisms, Erasmus’s work remains a cornerstone for understanding the culture of the Renaissance and has left an indelible mark on Western literature and thought.

Per approfondire

• L’elogio della follia di Erasmo da Rotterdam  di Andrea Pardi

• ERASMO e LUTERO  di Diego Fusaro

• L’elogio della follia di Erasmo da Rotterdam  di atuttascuola

• The Praise of Folly by Erasmus of Rotterdam  di atuttascuola

• L’elogio della follia di Erasmo da Rotterdam  di Irene Magnani

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