Transcript
THE LIFE OF ERASMUS (28 October 1467? - 12 July 1536)
Desiderius Erasmus was born as the illegitimate son of a priest. All of his life he tended to remain vague about his youth and origins.
Erasmus: “‘Born in Rotterdam, begotten in Gouda’. But does it really matter where a person is born?”
In 1488 he entered the Augustinian monastery in Stein.
Erasmus: “My guardians forced me! I don’t mind being a monk - but I hate all the rules!”
In 1492 he was ordained as a priest and devoted himself to study. This brought him to Paris.
Erasmus: “Hurray! I’m allowed to study! Normally, illegitimate children can’t attend universities! I’m not fond of all the theological hullabaloo… but I’m mighty interested in the Humanists!”
He taught and traveled a lot, for instance to Britain, where he met Thomas More.
Thomas More: “A turning point in my life!”
Erasmus: “I wrote my first book in 1500! Adagia - a bestseller!”
In 1511 his most famous book was published: The Praise of Folly.
Between 1516 and 1521 he lived in his native country of The Netherlands again.
Erasmus: “I’m counselor to Charles the Fifth! A quiet job that leaves me time to write.”
During the last years of his life, he lived in Germany.
Passerby: “So you probably met Martin Luther then!”
Erasmus: “Actually I’m not that fond of Luther.”
He died around the age of seventy in Basel, Switzerland.
Erasmus (dying): “…lieve God*…”
* Dutch for ‘dear God’. It is said these were his last words.
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Next episode:
Erasmus’ ‘Praise of Folly’