The Praise of Folly

by Erasmus

For what injustice is it that when we allow every course of life its recreation, that study only should have none?

No, you'll meet with some so preposterously religious that they will sooner endure the broadest scoffs even against Christ himself than hear the Pope or a prince be touched in the least, especially if it be anything that concerns their profit;

"Folly is the only thing that keeps youth at a stay and old age afar off;"

"That age, which is wont to render other men wiser, makes them the greater fools."

For though that proverb of Alcibiades in Plato attributes truth to drunkards and children,