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Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam: A Renaissance Polymath and Humanist

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Portrait Of Desiderius Erasmus Of Rotterdam Desiderius Erasmus Of Rotterdam (Illustrated)

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (c. 1466-1536) was a Dutch humanist, Catholic priest, social critic, and theologian. He was one of the most important figures of the Northern Renaissance, and his writings had a profound influence on the development of humanist thought and the Protestant Reformation.

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (Illustrated)

by Ephraim Emerton

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	378 pages

Early Life and Education

Erasmus was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in about 1466. His parents were poor, and he was orphaned at a young age. He was raised by guardians who sent him to a local Latin school. Erasmus showed great promise as a student, and he went on to study at the University of Paris.

At the University of Paris, Erasmus studied the classics, philosophy, and theology. He became a master of Latin and Greek, and he developed a deep interest in the writings of the Church Fathers. Erasmus also became a skilled orator, and he gained a reputation as one of the most brilliant students in Paris.

Career

After graduating from the University of Paris, Erasmus traveled extensively throughout Europe. He visited England, Italy, France, and the Netherlands. He met with many of the leading humanists of the day, and he exchanged ideas with them about education, religion, and society.

In 1506, Erasmus published his most famous work, The Praise of Folly. This satirical work criticized the corruption and hypocrisy of the Catholic Church. The Praise of Folly was a huge success, and it was translated into many languages. Erasmus became one of the most famous writers in Europe.

Erasmus continued to write and publish throughout his life. He wrote about a wide range of topics, including education, religion, politics, and social issues. He also edited and translated the works of the Church Fathers. Erasmus's writings had a profound influence on the development of humanist thought and the Protestant Reformation.

Religious Views

Erasmus was a devout Catholic, but he was also critical of the Church. He believed that the Church needed to be reformed, and he called for a return to the teachings of the early Church Fathers. Erasmus was also a proponent of religious toleration. He believed that people should be free to choose their own religion.

Erasmus's religious views were controversial, and he was often accused of being a heretic. However, he remained a loyal Catholic throughout his life.

Legacy

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was one of the most important figures of the Northern Renaissance. His writings had a profound influence on the development of humanist thought and the Protestant Reformation. Erasmus was a brilliant scholar, a gifted writer, and a devout Christian. He is remembered as one of the greatest humanists of all time.

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (Illustrated)

by Ephraim Emerton

4.5 out of 5