The political thought of Erasmus scarcely changed throughout his career and is conveniently summarized in the 1516 treatise On the Education of a Christian Prince, written for the future Charles V. Its main characteristics are the insistent pursuit of peace in all circumstances, a consequent dislike of treaties and pacts, a preference for the arbitrated settlement of disputes, for a limited monarchy under a prince himself subject to the laws, and a state where social harmony is erected on economic prosperity and controlled by sumptuary laws. There is also a clear view of the dangers of hereditary succession.
Underneath Folly's depiction of the dangers faced by princes emerges a portrait of the ideal prince, subject to his own laws, devoted to the welfare of his people, intent on the suppression of corruption and mindful of his own salvation.