Praise Of Folly

Erasmus subtitles his book “A Declamation by Erasmus of Rotterdam” (9). A “declamation,” from Latin declamare, meaning to recite or give a public speech, is a formal oratorical speech or an exercise in oratory or elocution. In the world of Praise of Folly, Folly delivers this declamation; yet the subtitle might also be taken to mean that the thoughts expressed are fundamentally those of the author.

The word “declamation” suggests a speech rather than a philosophical treatise. As a term from classical literature, it signals Erasmus’ humanistic leanings. This declamation is about humor and folly, which subverts the usual serious connotations of the term.

The art or practice of logical argumentation, as used in classical philosophy and in scholastic theology.

A eulogy is a speech or a piece of writing in praise of a person or thing. The irony of Folly’s eulogy is her aim to offer praise to herself. This act of self-love is necessary, she says, because no one else ever thinks of praising her. Ironically, eulogies are usually associated with funerals, whereas this eulogy employs a comic and lighthearted tone in an address to a living being.