Final answer:
Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch monk and scholar, wrote the satirical work 'The Praise of Folly' to criticize the follies of mankind using irony and wit.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Dutch monk and scholar who criticized the folly of his fellow man in his book The Praise of Folly was Desiderius Erasmus. This work is a satirical examination of the superstitions and absurdities prevalent in the society of his time. Erasmus, through witty and ironic language, targets a wide range of subjects from various walks of life, including scholars, priests, and the social elite, highlighting human weaknesses to encourage self-reflection and reform. His criticisms still resonate today, serving as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the perils of folly.