What does the book "Praise and Folly" advocate for?

The book "Praise of Folly," written by Erasmus of Rotterdam in the early 16th century, indeed advocates for a return to simple values and virtues. In this satirical work, Erasmus critiques the various forms of folly in society, including the corruption within the Church and the foolishness of human behavior. By highlighting the absurdities of his time, he calls for a more sincere and humble approach to life, emphasizing the importance of honesty, morality, and genuine spirituality over the complexities and pretensions of scholarly philosophies and societal remains.

Erasmus uses the character of Folly, who speaks affectionately of herself, to mock various aspects of societal priorities, showing that wisdom often lies in embracing simplicity and humility. This aligns with the Renaissance humanist emphasis on individual moral responsibility and the return to classical values that celebrate personal integrity and virtuous living over materialism or sophistry.

The other possibilities, while relevant in the broader context of Renaissance thought, do not encapsulate the core message of "Praise of Folly." For example, advocating for complicated philosophies or wealth accumulation contradicts the book's core values. Similarly, while individual achievements can be a theme in Renaissance literature, Erasmus's focus is more on community and mutual support rather than on individualism