Also known as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Erasmus was a humanist who said to know nothing is the happiest life. He lived 1466 to 1536. Erasmus was a writer, philosopher, scholar, linguist and more. A dutch man born into illegitimacy. He remains a source of controversy with people on both sides of faith arguing for and against him.
Erasmus was the second illegitimate son of Roger Gerard, a priest, and Margaret, a physician’s daughter. He was born Gerrit Gerritszoon, but later adopted the name Desiderius Erasmus. He is called Erasmus of Rotterdam due to his birthplace.
After his parents' death, Erasmus was forced to live with the monks for six years. This experience did not endear the priesthood to him. After leaving the monastery he because a teacher in Paris. He later moved to England and spent most of the rest of his life living there.
After his parents' death, Erasmus was forced to live with the monks for six years. This experience did not endear the priesthood to him. After leaving the monastery he because a teacher in Paris. He later moved to England and spent most of the rest of his life living there.
Erasmus lived in a difficult time for people who didn't hold to all the teachings of the Catholic church. He didn't agree with everything the reformers said, nor did he see the need for priests to not marry or for the laity to not be involved more in the church.
He did see faith as a personal issue, one of a relationship between God and man and less of relationship based around church doctrines. He wanted people to embrace "the true spirit of the Scriptures - simplicity, naivety and humility. These, he says, are the fundamental human traits that hold the key to a happy life." (p97 philosophy book)
He did see faith as a personal issue, one of a relationship between God and man and less of relationship based around church doctrines. He wanted people to embrace "the true spirit of the Scriptures - simplicity, naivety and humility. These, he says, are the fundamental human traits that hold the key to a happy life." (p97 philosophy book)
After some time Erasmus divided his time between Brabant and England.
He worked on a translation of the New Testament, wrote several books, pointed out the folly of people and the need to have a personal faith in God. He walked a hard line of wanting to stay loyal to the Roman Church, and yet seeing truth in much said by reformers. He couldn't commit to either fully... at his death he did not ask for last rites, which spoke to understanding of the need for personal faith above church doctrine.
Be mindful of who you are.
Know that if you know nothing, you can achieve happiness.
Sources:
Britannica, Bio, History Guide, Standord, wiki.
He worked on a translation of the New Testament, wrote several books, pointed out the folly of people and the need to have a personal faith in God. He walked a hard line of wanting to stay loyal to the Roman Church, and yet seeing truth in much said by reformers. He couldn't commit to either fully... at his death he did not ask for last rites, which spoke to understanding of the need for personal faith above church doctrine.
Be mindful of who you are.
Know that if you know nothing, you can achieve happiness.
Sources:
Britannica, Bio, History Guide, Standord, wiki.
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