Quotes by Desiderius Erasmus

About Desiderius Erasmus:

Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus was a Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, social critic, teacher, and theologian.
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Everyone knows that by far the happiest and universally enjoyable age of man is the first. What is there about babies which makes us hug and kiss and fondle them, so that even an enemy would give them help at that age?

Desiderius Erasmus

The nearer people approach old age the closer they return to a semblance of childhood, until the time comes for them to depart this life, again like children, neither tired of living nor aware of death.

Desiderius Erasmus

The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.

Desiderius Erasmus

War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it.

Desiderius Erasmus

The desire to write grows with writing.

Desiderius Erasmus

If you keep thinking about what you want to do or what you hope will happen, you don't do it, and it won't happen.

Desiderius Erasmus

It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is.

Desiderius Erasmus

When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.

Desiderius Erasmus

Your library is your paradise.

Desiderius Erasmus

Great eagerness in the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, or honor, cannot exist without sin.

Desiderius Erasmus

Great abundance of riches cannot be gathered and kept by any man without sin.

Desiderius Erasmus

Luther was guilty of two great crimes - he struck the Pope in his crown, and the monks in their belly.

Desiderius Erasmus

A good portion of speaking will consist in knowing how to lie.

Desiderius Erasmus

It is wisdom in prosperity, when all is as thou wouldn't have it, to fear and suspect the worst.

Desiderius Erasmus

Man is to man either a god or a wolf.

Desiderius Erasmus

Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.

Desiderius Erasmus

To know nothing is the happiest life.

Desiderius Erasmus

In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.

Desiderius Erasmus

Reflection is a flower of the mind, giving out wholesome fragrance; but revelry is the same flower, when rank and running to seed.

Desiderius Erasmus

There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.

Desiderius Erasmus

Author Bio

  • NameDesiderius Erasmus
  • DescriptionDutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and theologian
  • AliasesErasmus of Rotterdam; Erasmus
  • BornNovember 6, 1469
  • DiedJuly 12, 1536
  • CountryNetherlands
  • ProfessionWriter; Philosopher; Theologian; Translator; Teacher; Essayist
  • WorksThe Praise Of Folly; A Handbook On Manners For Children