Erasmus of Rotterdam

One of the largest humanists of the Northern Renaissance, Erasmus of Rotterdam, was born in Holland, in 1469. He was the illegitimate son of a servant and a priest who died very early. The first education he received in 1478-1485 in the Latin school in Deventer, where the teachers focused on the inner self-improvement of man through imitation of Christ.

At the age of 18, Erasmus of Rotterdam, by order of guardians, was forced to go to a monastery, where he spent six years among the novices. Such a life he did not like, and he eventually fled.

Erasmus of Rotterdam, whose biography was rewritten a thousand times, was an interesting person. The works of Lorenzo Villa, like other Italians, made a great impression on him. As a result, Erasmus actively supported the humanistic movement, which sought to revive the ancient ideals of beauty, truth, virtue and perfection.

Further education Erasmus of Rotterdam received in Paris, between 1492 and 1499 years. He was listed at the theological faculty, but he studied ancient literature. In 1499 Erasmus moved to England. There he was accepted into the Oxford circle of humanists. Here he formed his philosophical and ethical system. In 1521-1529 Erasmus lived in Basel. Here he formed a circle of humanists. In addition, he traveled a lot and was interested in the culture of different peoples.

The main issues Erasmus of Rotterdam was interested in were philology, ethics and religion. He studied and published works of early Christian writers and ancient authors. Erasmus created and developed various methods of interpretation and criticism. Of great importance is his translation of the New Testament. Correcting Christian sources and interpreting them, he hoped to renew theology. However, contrary to his intentions, he initiated a rationalistic criticism of the Bible.

Such results were not expected even by Erasmus of Rotterdam.

His philosophy was simple enough and accessible to any person. The basis of piety, he believed the divine principle, which lies in the spiritual and moral life and the earthly world.

His views he called "the philosophy of Christ" - this meant that everyone should consciously follow the high morality, the laws of piety, as if imitating Christ.

With the manifestation of the divine spirit he considered all the best human qualities. Thanks to this, Erasmus was able to find examples of piety in different religions, from different peoples.

Along with this, the ancient culture was taken by him for the sample and the basis.

Erasmus mercilessly and with some irony exposed the ignorance and vices of all classes, including the clergy.

He was also categorically against internecine wars. He saw in them an obstacle to the development of culture. The instigators of wars, he believed to know, monarchs and priests.

Erasmus sought to correct the shortcomings of society, spreading education and a new culture.

His work was based on pedagogy. He recommended that mentors maximize the activity and independence of children, while taking into account their individual and age characteristics.

The work of Erasmus of Rotterdam had a huge impact on the culture of Europe.

He can be called the intellectual leader of Europe at that time.