11/10 The Praise of Folly (#11a)

Folly
In the beginning of "The Praise of Folly," Folly introduces herself as one of the gods and the daughter of Plutus, the god of war. She comes from "the Isles of the Blest," where everything grows without effort (1923). This is similar to her purpose to bring happiness by way of joy, laughter, and play. She does not believe in the seriousness of life intellectuals and academics take on. Folly does not put down all learning and refers several times to the philosophers Sophocles and Plato. She agrees with Sophocles' statement that "never to think, that is the good life" (1925). She believes that all men need illusions to make life bearable. With Stoics, Folly praises their habit of putting their passions under close surveillance and not make philosophy all that their lives consist of. However, Folly still makes arguments against them and prefers the the way of pleasure rather than strict studying and learning. Thus, Folly represents the foolishness and frivolity of life that men take part in to relieve the pressures of daily living.

Christian Folly
Christian foolishness differs from the normal foolishness of man. Folly consider all pious Christians fools in that instead of drinking and laughing, they find pleasure in serving in the church and following the ways of the Lord. She points out that "children, old people, women, and retarded persons are more delighted than with holy and religious matters and are always nearest to the altar, simply out of a natural inclination" (1943). Christians, according to Folly, abandoned human wisdom and knowledge for seemingly irrational behavior and following Christ's way of life. Christians do have a serious part in that they put away their humanly desires and pleasures to do the actions of Christ.