16th century, drawing, Europe, fooleum, Latin, Netherlands, primary source
​This pen and ink sketch in the margins of an early copy of Erasmus’ Praise of Folly is one of 82 done by Hans Holbein (1497/98-1543) and his elder brother Ambrosius. In this drawing, the self-appointed goddess Folly, having given a sermon of brazen...
16th century, book, Europe, primary source
Today’s the day you can be sureYou can’t avoid and shouldn’t ignore,The day that we can all affordto lark about and at last accordOurselves the time to take time outAnd raise a glass and merrily shoutIn praise of Folly, the saucy goddess whoBrings...
16th century, bibliography, book, canon, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Rulers, for all the advantages they enjoy, seem to me in one respect most disadvantaged: they’ve nobody from whom they can hear the truth; in place of friends they’re lumbered with flatterers. p. 45The Moriae Encomium by Erasmus (1469-1536), written in...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Here the ever bold lady Folly makes her irrefutable claim to be the source of life. Yet another brazen statement by this folly goddess. And the basis for her argument is that human life is created with a set of laughable organs. I create life. In the first place,...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Erasmus’ Folly yet again turns things on their head, assuring us that her rebukes are a compliment. Presumably, if she bothers to upbraid you, you must have the potential for improvement. But note too how she castigates the failure of fools to identify what is...
16th century, Europe, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Erasmus, speaking in the voice of Folly, reminds us that God prefers fools to those who ‘think too much’. He draws on the Bible, which lays it out crystal clearly. Here, rather irreverently, he likens God to other ‘supreme rulers’, whose love...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
Here the charming, wise and witty Lady Folly merrily explains why any king worth his salt would surround himself with fools in preference to churlish philosophers. I particularly like the idea of keeping the latter ‘for show’.Erasmus’ timeless Praise...
16th century, Europe, fictive fool, Latin, Netherlands, primary source, quotes
This is a splendid summary of the fools’ licence to speak truth to power.As every CEO or President knows, power can bring hordes of toadies seeking personal advancement or lobbying for special interests. If you find yourself similarly ‘lumbered with...
