Desiderius Erasmus

Who is Desiderius Erasmus?

Desiderius Erasmus, often called Erasmus of Rotterdam, was a Dutch humanist, Catholic priest, theologian and scholar regarded as one of the greatest figures of the Northern Renaissance. Born in Rotterdam, he became the leading classical scholar of his age, writing in elegant Latin and travelling across Europe, corresponding with kings, popes and reformers. His satirical essay In Praise of Folly (1511) mocked corruption and superstition in society and the Church, while his 1516 Greek edition of the New Testament, with a fresh Latin translation, profoundly influenced biblical scholarship and the Reformation. Erasmus advocated reform of the Church from within and famously debated Martin Luther over free will, defending it in his De libero arbitrio (1524). He championed education, tolerance, and a return to original sources. Though he criticised abuses, he remained loyal to the Catholic Church. His vast body of letters and editions of classical and patristic texts shaped European learning for centuries.

Sources: Erasmus, In Praise of Folly (Moriae Encomium, 1511) · Erasmus, Novum Instrumentum omne (Greek New Testament, 1516) · Encyclopaedia Britannica, entry 'Erasmus'