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Erasmus

Philosopher · theologian · Writer · translator

Years: c. 1466–1536
Birthplace: Netherlands
Birth polity: Burgundian Netherlands
Era: Early modern
Field: Philosophy
Occupations: Philosopher · theologian · Writer · translator

A humanist and theologian from the Netherlands. He sought to renew Christianity through classical language research and Bible revision. He is a person who considers the changes in knowledge on the eve of the Reformation.

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Historical context

Places

Rotterdam
Birth
Basel
Publication

Works & achievements

The Praise of Folly
1511
Book
Greek New Testament edition
1516
Book

Events

Christian humanism
1500–1536
Movement · Participant

Origins

Origins map

Birth countryAssociated countries

Birth country: Netherlands
Associated countries: Switzerland · United Kingdom

Map: Natural Earth (PD)

Biography

Early life

Born near Rotterdam, he studied at a convent and school. In Europe, where printing was widespread, humanism was beginning to gain traction by going back to the original texts and rereading classical literature and the Bible.

Achievements

In Praise of the Fool, he satirized the corruption in the church and society, and published a revised edition of the Greek New Testament. His scholarship paved the way for reconsidering the Bible and faith through reason and literary criticism.

Character & anecdotes

Although Erasmus had an awareness of issues that overlapped with Luther's religious reform, he was cautious about church divisions. It is characterized by its emphasis on reform through scholarship and education rather than radical confrontation.

Historical Impact

When you study Erasmus, you realize that the Reformation was not a sudden uprising, but was born out of the accumulation of printing, humanism, Bible study, and criticism of the church. He is a person who acts as a bridge between early modern European thought, and shows the possibility of reform through scholarship.