The Praise of Folly

How was the Praise of Folly used to influence change?

How was Praise of Folly used to influence change?

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Folly is found everywhere; she lists various academic and social classes of men who rely upon folly for their accomplishments or who indulge in her offerings to gain fame and happiness. This life includes: doctors, lawyers, mystics, gamblers, hunters, philosophers, grammar teachers, businessmen, authors, poets, performers, lovers, doctors of theology, priests, monks, princes, courtiers, cardinals, bishops, and popes. She is found in marriages, friendships, and other relationships. Not only can "[we] find nothing either joyous or pleasant which doesn't owe a debt to [Folly]" (17) but almost no profession or endeavor is without her influence. Perhaps the best manifestation of this argument is that Folly ends up including every person or example as her domain by the end of the speech - the fools are foolish through behavior, while the 'wise' and the philosophical are foolish precisely because they do not embrace her despite their foolishness.