Desiderius Erasmus, The Praise of Folly
Study Questions
1. Everyone in Erasmus’ book worships the Goddess Folly, but each
group does so in its own way. What is the folly of:
a. Intellectuals
b. Nobles
c. Women
2. Erasmus’ most sustained criticism is of the folly (or follies) of the
church, but unlike many writers of the time he is also deeply critical of
ordinary people’s piety. Trace the main lines of his critique both of the
ecclesiastical hierarchy and of the ordinary Christian.
3. What would Erasmus like Christianity to look like? What is his ideal for
the church and the individual believer?
4. Unlike the fictional Jorge of Burgos, Erasmus clearly believes in the
power of laughter. However some have alleged that he is not greatly
compelled by the deeper mysteries of faith. What do you think?
5. It is often said the Erasmus hatched the egg that Luther laid. But
Erasmus himself never left the Catholic Church, though many urged
him to do so. Why do you think he didn’t?
6. In the end is Folly good or bad in Erasmus’ view?