Erasmus Quotes
Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was a Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and one of the most influential European intellectuals of the early 16th century. His critical edition of the Greek New Testament, published in 1516, was foundational for Renaissance and Reformation biblical scholarship. The quotes below are attributed to Erasmus, organized by topic.
Erasmus on God
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“By a Carpenter mankind was made, and only by that Carpenter can mankind be remade.”
Erasmus on Happiness
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is.”
Erasmus on Knowledge
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.”
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“A constant element of enjoyment must be mingled with our studies, so that we think of learning as a game rather than a form of drudgery.”
Erasmus on Politics
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“Let a king recall that what he holds he holds as a steward, not as an owner.”
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it.”
Erasmus on Virtue
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Attributed to Erasmus:
“Prevention is better than cure.”