Praise of Folly (Penguin Classics)

Folly speaks in defense of herself, claiming that any good that has come from mankind has sprung only from our foolishness. We cannot achieve by our virtues, but rather our faults - of reasoning, of sanity, or ethics.

Hysterical, biting satire, that is all at once subversively clever and scandalously straightforward. To accompany his obfuscating twists and turns (did he just say what i think he said?), Erasmus also wields a particular bluntness (can he say that at all?). In the latter section of this book, Erasmus' voice quite suddenly changes - instead of poking fun at society, ethics, religion, and human tendencies, he begins taking large, brash advances towards the established church of England. In 1509, with Henry the VIII newly installed, and the protestant reformation in early birthing pangs, this was a dangerous thing to do.

Far from flinching at his barbs, I relished in them, even while noting the migration of tone from terrifically clever to shrill. However, a true book of it's period, the devices of soliloquy and mythological characters make this an historic piece worthy for the purpose of literary study.

A modern day reader should have very little trouble with the 16th century English, but I lost interest twice in this book, not out of offense at content, but general lack of gentlemanly wit he had so obviously displayed earlier. I have since finished it, and am glad I did, for his ending bears a peaceful meditation of religious principle.

Praise of Folly is yet another book on my shelf that seeks to defend faith by attacking it, fiercely and without quarter.

- ... bir deli ile bir bilge arasındaki fark birincisinin *tutkularına, ikicisinin ise *aklına boyun eğmesidir...

...interesting perspective on life, much different than my own. I'm very grateful to have read this book.

Written originally as a joke for his friend Thomas More, Erasmus uses the device of Folly to critique many of the essential features of life. Particular attention should be paid to his mockery of Pope Julius II, the decrepit old man who nevertheless leads a conquering army. Well worth the read.

Erasmus was a genius of wit and his satiric jabs at religion and especially at ethics through the voice of Folly remains as pertinent today as it did in the early 1500's.

"Humor for the educated." as another commentor said. This book it surprisingly eloquent for the time period.

Erasmus's message was not lost, but his execution is dated. Not a personal favorite, though I understand why it is important in the literary world. Revolutionized a genre--the satire. First of its kind.

Excellent wit and satire.

If you are aware of the historical context, this is hilarious and a biting satire. If you are not, it will probably be confusing and weird.

Folly moves the world, in good and bad. Since Folly is intrinsic to human nature, this book is very modern in its description of the human society. Folly is at the base of any power, from politics to religion, but also of the aware -though denied- self-deception, so often chosen because it’s the easier way, better pretend than put up with the reality. But Folly also as the spark of life that makes ideas spring, dreams flourish, happiness unfold, and youth live on. Seriousness and irony intermingle in every phrase, as it has to be since the praise of Folly is an act of Folly. Or… maybe it is not?!