awling on the face of the earth (86) is more profound than the conceit Folly jokes about earlier in the book. A theologians conceit is applied to the great majority of mankind all at once and on a spiritual level that is far more significant (at least to Erasmus) than the everyday affairs that are the butt of his initial humor. Follys irony continues in this criticism of churchmen and through the introduction of the books final section, a praise of Christian folly that is totally earnest and serious, but is quickly dropped making this the most completely serious section of Erasmuss work. This is clearly a reflection of Erasmuss own pious attitude toward such an important religious issue. Even in the seriousness of his criticism of churchmen, irony subtly moderates Erasmuss tone, but in his pious assessment of Christian ideals he is clearly addressing a subject too close to his heart for any lack of seriousness. Here we see the culmination of Follys progression towards Erasmuss most serious subject and away from humor.Erasmus demonstrates the value of humor by making fun of insignificant issues and teaching us how to laugh at ourselves. Jokes of this kind . . . which arent lacking in learning and wit (4) help us put the less significant aspects of life in perspective. They also aim to moderate the level of his criticism making it more constructive than insulting. For it is the ridiculous rather than the squalid (7) to which his humor applies. He reserves a more serious voice for more serious wrongdoing. We see this parallel between humor and subject clearly as Erasmus progresses from constructive criticism of insignificant folly to harsh indictment of religious pretension and most of all in his solemn praise of Christian folly....
