Father of Humanism: Who is Desiderius Erasmus?
Desiderius Erasmus has been both a student and an academician in different countries of Europe throughout his life and has lived like a traveler.
Although he was actually a clergyman, he opposed the bigotry of the church, defended the freedom of reason, and always defended what is good for man. He fought against all forms of barbarism and violence with his writings. It aimed to spread the fine arts and science, to unite Europe under a common understanding of art and science.
The most critical work of Erasmus, "In Praise of Folly", maintains its validity today and is considered one of the most important works written against bigotry.
Life story
Erasmus, one of the great representatives of the philosophy and movement of humanism, was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1465. After his primary education, he entered the Augustinian order and served as a priest for a while.
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (28 October 1466 – 12 July 1536) was a Dutch philosopher and Catholic theologian who is considered one of the greatest scholars of the Northern Renaissance.
Erasmus, who traditionally never acted as a priest, wanted to devote himself more to science, so he continued his scientific studies by getting permission from religious authorities not to wear a robe. Continuing his education at the University of Paris, Erasmus had the opportunity to meet scientists such as John Colet and Thomas Morus when he went to England in 1499.
Standing against scholastic thought, he opposed the hegemony created by the Papacy over ideas and continued to search for the true Christian spirit in the simple spirit of the ancient age.
What is the general content of Erasmus's works?
He managed to attract attention with his original works, which emphasized the spread of fine arts and sciences, the dominance of positive thinking, and the first condition of humanism. He knew he was one of the intellectuals who best reflected ancient thought with his original and translated works.
When the footsteps of Martin Luther's reforms were heard, he supported the free thought movement by joining the idea of church renewal. He vehemently opposed the turmoil, fragmentation, and complex order of the Christian world, which resonated worldwide. The author's interests are Christian philosophy, Renaissance philosophy, and humanism. Reflecting the Western philosophy in his works, the author adopted the European way of thinking and tried to speak and write in Latin.
He died in Basel in 1536.
Erasmus, who spoke and wrote Latin all his life, had his last words before he died in his native language: "Lieve God"
In Praise of Folly (original title: Morias enkomion seu laus stultitiae) is the only work of Erasmus that has preserved its vitality, validity, and attractiveness until today. Erasmus, who drafted this little book during his trip from Italy to England in the summer of 1509, did the writing in England shortly after arriving at the home of his friend Thomas More; He dedicated the book to Thomas More. Erasmus, who completed his work in a short time like a few days, did not benefit from any books in the meantime.