Desiderius Erasmus

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466?-1536) was a Dutch Christian humanist, Catholic theologian, educationalist, satirist, philosopher, and one of the most influential scholars of the Northern Renaissance. His vast writings, encompassing theology, philosophy, philology, and literary criticism, helped to lay the foundations of modern Biblical criticism and laid the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation.

Early Life and Education

Desiderius Erasmus was born in Rotterdam, Holland, on October 28, 1466. He was the illegitimate son of a priest, Roger Gerard, and a physician's daughter, Margaret. His parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his guardians in Gouda. Erasmus showed an early aptitude for learning, and he attended a school in Deventer, where he studied Latin and Greek.

Life and Career

In 1483, Erasmus entered the Augustinian monastery of Steyn, near Gouda. He was ordained a priest in 1492, but he continued to study and write. In 1495, he was sent to the University of Paris to study theology. However, he became disillusioned with the scholasticism that was taught at the university, and he turned his attention to the study of the Church Fathers and classical literature.

In 1500, Erasmus published his first major work, the Adagia, a collection of proverbs and sayings. The Adagia was a critical and scholarly work, and it helped to establish Erasmus's reputation as a leading scholar.

In 1509, Erasmus published his most famous work, The Praise of Folly. This satirical work criticized the abuses of the clergy, the corruption of the Church, and the follies of human nature. The Praise of Folly was a bestseller, and it made Erasmus one of the most famous men in Europe.

In 1516, Erasmus published his edition of the New Testament. This was the first critical edition of the New Testament to be published, and it had a profound impact on the study of the Bible. Erasmus's edition of the New Testament was used by both Protestants and Catholics, and it helped to lay the groundwork for the Reformation.

Erasmus was a controversial figure in his day. He was criticized by both Protestants and Catholics, and he was accused of being a heretic. However, he was also respected by many of his contemporaries, and he was considered to be one of the most important scholars of his time.

Legacy

Desiderius Erasmus was one of the most influential scholars of the Northern Renaissance. His writings helped to lay the foundations of modern Biblical criticism and laid the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation. He was also a brilliant satirist and a keen observer of human nature. His works continue to be read and studied today.

Key Works

• Adagia (1500)
• Encomium Moriae (The Praise of Folly) (1509)
• Novum Testamentum (1516)
• Colloquia Familiaria (Familiar Conversations) (1518)
• De Libero Arbitrio (The Freedom of the Will) (1533)

Quotes

• "In the realm of human affairs, nothing is more dangerous than to assume we know when in fact we do not know."
• "The greatest remedy for anger is delay."
• "The man who has traveled the world knows much, but he who has traveled within himself knows all."
• "The only way to keep your head is to lose it."
• "It is better to travel well than to arrive."