Desiderius Erasmus

Date of Birth: October 28, 1466

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: July 12, 1536

Biography

Desiderius Erasmus, also known as Erasmus of Rotterdam, was a Dutch philosopher and Christian humanist who is widely considered one of the greatest scholars of the Northern Renaissance. Born on October 28, 1466, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Erasmus was an illegitimate son of a priest and a physician’s daughter. Despite his challenging beginnings, he became a prominent figure in classical scholarship and was a leading advocate for religious and educational reform. Erasmus entered the Augustinian monastery at Steyn in 1487 and was ordained as a priest in 1492. His scholarly pursuits took him to various parts of Europe, including Paris, Leuven, and Basel, where he engaged with leading intellectuals and contributed to the burgeoning humanist movement. His most famous works include “In Praise of Folly,” a satirical critique of the church and society, and “Adages,” a collection of Greek and Latin proverbs. Erasmus was a proponent of a more personal and internalized Christian faith, which often put him at odds with both the Catholic Church and the emerging Protestant Reformation. Despite this, he maintained a position of neutrality, advocating for peace and dialogue rather than conflict. Erasmus spent his later years in Basel, Switzerland, where he continued to write and correspond with other scholars. He died on July 12, 1536, leaving behind a legacy that influenced both religious thought and classical studies for centuries to come.

5 Interesting Facts about Desiderius Erasmus

1. Erasmus was one of the first scholars to use the printing press to disseminate his works widely.

2. He produced a critical edition of the Greek New Testament, which was highly influential in biblical scholarship.

3. Erasmus was a close friend of Thomas More, the author of “Utopia.”

4. He coined the phrase “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”

5. Erasmus never married and had no known children, dedicating his life entirely to scholarship and writing.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Desiderius Erasmus

1. “When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.”

2. “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”

3. “Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.”

4. “The main hope of a nation lies in the proper education of its youth.”

5. “He who allows oppression shares the crime.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a scholar and cleric in the 15th and 16th centuries, Erasmus did not accumulate wealth in the way contemporary figures might. His highest “net worth” was likely in the form of his extensive library and the patronage he received from various benefactors, which allowed him to continue his scholarly work.