The Praise of Folly is a satire by Desiderius Erasmus that praises Folly as the goddess who brings happiness and meaning to human life. Through Folly's perspective, Erasmus critiques 16th-century European society, particularly the hypocritical and arrogant church leaders and scholars, as well as the common people blinded by superstition and vanity. The book also explains how folly in the form of optimism and indifference to hardship allows people to remain productive and find happiness, as opposed to the resignation born of excessive wisdom. Folly also argues that true Christianity actually looks like folly because it advocates simplicity, humility, and even madness in divine aspirations. Ultimately, Folly invites readers to embrace this essential folly to live a richer, more joyful, and more humane life, rather than simply pursuing wisdom, which often leads to misery and vanity.