Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
In Praise of Folly summary
Erasmus
Wit and Wisdom on Human Folly
4 mins
Table of Contents
In Praise of Folly
Summary of 2 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 2
One big idea: Embracing our folly.
Welcome to this Big Idea. For this very short type of Blink, our editors choose one thought-provoking insight from a book so you can learn something new within just a few minutes. The idea we’d like to talk about this time is revolving around the surprising notion that folly, or foolishness, can often result in happiness and prosperity.
It’s a concept that is based on the book In Praise of Folly, written by Desiderius Erasmus in 1511 – a satirical essay that criticizes societal follies and ecclesiastical corruption through the persona of Folly, personified as a goddess. Erasmus uses humor and irony to expose the vices and absurdities of his time, advocating for a return to Christian simplicity and piety. The work, blending classical scholarship with humanist critique, played a significant role in the intellectual debates leading up to the Reformation, challenging readers to reflect on the true values of Christianity and human society.
Want to see all full key ideas from In Praise of Folly?
Key ideas in In Praise of Folly
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is In Praise of Folly about?
In Praise of Folly (1511) is a critical examination of societal norms and institutions with a satirical lens, unveiling an unconventional wisdom that praises folly, or foolishness, as a driving force behind much human action and happiness.
In Praise of Folly Review
In Praise of Folly (1509) is a satirical essay by Erasmus that sheds light on societal absurdities and human nature in a witty and humorous way. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Its sharp critique of various aspects of 16th-century society remains relevant and thought-provoking today.
- The book offers insightful observations into human behavior, encouraging readers to reflect on their own actions and beliefs.
- With its humorous tone and clever satire, the book manages to entertain while delivering profound messages about the folly of mankind.
Who should read In Praise of Folly?
- Fans of Renaissance literature
- Students of philosophy
- Individuals questioning societal norms
Categories with In Praise of Folly
Book summaries like In Praise of Folly
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
In Praise of Folly FAQs
What is the main message of In Praise of Folly?
The main message of In Praise of Folly highlights the follies and absurdities of society and the need for moral introspection.
How long does it take to read In Praise of Folly?
Reading In Praise of Folly takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is In Praise of Folly a good book? Is it worth reading?
In Praise of Folly is worth reading for its humorous critique of societal norms and thought-provoking reflections.
Who is the author of In Praise of Folly?
The author of In Praise of Folly is Erasmus of Rotterdam.
What to read after In Praise of Folly?
If you're wondering what to read next after In Praise of Folly, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith
- Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
- The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
- Common Sense by Thomas Paine
- Beyond the Pleasure Principle by Sigmund Freud
- Break the Cycle by Dr. Mariel Buqué
- On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche
- The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe
- Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson