28 Quotes & Sayings By Erasmus

( 1466 - 1536 ) was a Dutch Man of Letters, Humanist and teacher who played a significant role in the cultural ferment of the early modern period. He was a central figure in the development of the new humanism. His writing style was characterized by its elegance and clarity. Erasmus is known for being an early advocate for religious toleration. He had been a monk of the Premonstratensian order at Mechelen, but after a heated controversy with his abbot he left this order and moved to Basle in 1499 Read more

He lived in Basle until his death in 1536.

The summit of happiness is reached when a person is...
1
The summit of happiness is reached when a person is ready to be what he is. Erasmus
Bidden or unbidden, God is present.
2
Bidden or unbidden, God is present. Erasmus
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is...
3
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Erasmus
The desire to write grows with writing.
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The desire to write grows with writing. Erasmus
Only a very few can be learned, but all can...
5
Only a very few can be learned, but all can be Christian, all can be devout, and — I shall boldly add — all can be theologians. Erasmus
The main hope of a nation lies in the proper...
6
The main hope of a nation lies in the proper education of its youth Erasmus
When I have a little money, I buy books; and...
7
When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes. Erasmus
Before you sleep, read something that is exquisite, and worth...
8
Before you sleep, read something that is exquisite, and worth remembering. Erasmus
The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just...
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The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war. Erasmus
War is sweet to those who have not experienced it.
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War is sweet to those who have not experienced it. Erasmus
Nothing doth worse become a man (I will not say...
11
Nothing doth worse become a man (I will not say a Christian man) than war. Erasmus
Moreover God hath ordained man in this world, as it...
12
Moreover God hath ordained man in this world, as it were, the very image of himself, to the intent, that he, as it were a god on earth, should provide for the wealth of all creatures. Erasmus
13
We being satiate with continual wars, let the desire of peace a little move us. Erasmus
14
Young bodies are like tender plants, which grow and become hardened to whatever shape you've trained them. Erasmus
15
I doubt if a single individual could be found from the whole of mankind free from some form of insanity. The only difference is one of degree. Erasmus
16
Your library is your paradise. Erasmus
17
The highest form of bliss is living with a certain degree of folly. Erasmus
18
Fortune favors the audacious. Erasmus
19
In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is king. Erasmus
20
Betwixt the devil and the deap sea. Erasmus
21
Of two evils choose the least. Erasmus
22
He does good to himself who does good to his friend. Erasmus
23
It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is. Erasmus
24
No one is to be despaired of as long as he breathes. (While there is life there is hope.) Erasmus
25
Prevention is better than cure. Erasmus
26
Concealed talent brings no reputation. Erasmus
27
He who shuns the millstone shuns the meal. Erasmus