Because some of English extant translations of In Praise of Folly are from the 18th, 19, and 20th centuries, I’ve endeavored to present a version with the American reader in mind. Although Erasmus’ cunning, wit, and sharp criticism are timeless, he wrote in Latin. While Latin is a dead language and fixed, American English transforms itself with each passing year so that meanings change. Erasmus deserves not only to be read, but also to be understood. Folly —Erasmus' mouthpiece— praises herself endlessly, arguing that life would be dull, colorless, and plain boring without her. In her work she is aided by her assistants: Self Love, Flattery, Oblivion, and Pleasure, whom she believes promote friendship and tolerance within society. Folly praises foolishness, levity, humor, nonsense, and even madness, finding Biblical support in favor of her beliefs. Her entire speech is and endless invective which sets foolishness against authority and pseudo wisdom. Even as she ends her meditations she manages to be sarcastic :“I perceive now, that, for a concluding treat, you expect a formal epilogue, and the summing up of all in a brief recitation; but I will assure you, you are grossly mistaken if you suppose that after such a hodge-podge medley of speech I should be able to recollect anything I have delivered.” Happy reading.
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