"The Praise of Folly"

Author Bio: The author Desiderius Erasmus was a classic scholar who wrote in pure Latin. He is most known for his humanistic beliefs and he used those techniques throughout his writings. He lived during the times of religious reformation which made a big impact on his writings.

Date/ Context: The date for the document is 1509. The document was written during the times of religious reformation which most likely will influence this piece(educated guess before reading).

Summary:  The church provides many different beliefs and people tend to believe them even if they are purely superstition and they believe it true. These beliefs are believed due to greed and provide simply empty pleasure. The people who present these beliefs are used only by those who want comfortable income such as friars etc. This very income makes it irrelevant to them that they tell such absurdities.The people are told that are told that they must be devoted to the higher lord and they will be secure from the dangers of life. Also the people are told if they do the things for rituals that they will be rewarded with instant riches and great wealth. The people are being tricked by the leaders of the church for their own. The pope of Rome is considered Christ's vicar although this may not be true, the pope lives the life of luxury. Those men who are voted in are not right for their position and will not work well within the church and will only worry about themselves. The church lies to the people and the people must look to the scripture to live their lives.

Key Quotation:  " The very head of the church, the spiritual prince, would then be brought from all his splendour to the poor equipage of scrip and staff"(414)