Praise of Folly

The Praise of Folly, written in 1509 by Desiderius Erasmus, is a satirical essay that critiques the superstitions and corrupt practices within the Roman Catholic Church while also exploring themes of self-deception and madness. The work begins with a humorous encomium in the style of the Greek satirist Lucian and evolves into a serious examination of folly, reflecting Erasmus' own disillusionment with the Church. This influential text is considered a catalyst for the Protestant Reformation and was banned by the Council of Trent in 1559. It has been translated into multiple languages, including English, French, and German.