In Praise of Folly

Desiderius Erasmus (1469-1536): The first editor of the New Testament, one of the leading figures in theological literature and one of the most important humanists of the Northern European Renaissance, Erasmus laid the foundation for historical-critical research into the past using philological methods. His writings on education contributed to approaching the classics from a humanist perspective instead of the old religious curriculum. While criticizing the abuse of power by the church, he encouraged the rising demands for reform. This stance resonated in both the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.

He became a target for both sides due to his independent stance, rejecting Luther's doctrine and the powers the papacy claimed to possess. In "In Praise of Folly," which he conceived while traveling to England and wrote at Thomas More's home, he criticized the intellectuals of his time, using a satirical tone to ridicule teachers, priests, theologians, philosophers, merchants, lawyers, rulers, saints, and everyone who considered themselves intelligent.