One of the greatest humanists of the Northern Renaissance, Erasmus of Rotterdam, was born in Holland in 1469. He was the illegitimate son of a maid and a priest who died very early. He received his first education in 1478-1485 at the Latin school in Deventer, where teachers were guided by the internal self-improvement of a person through the imitation of Christ.
At the age of 18, Erasmus of Rotterdam, at the behest of his guardians, was forced to go to a monastery, where he spent six years among the novices. He did not like this life, and he eventually ran away.
Erasmus of Rotterdam, whose biography has been rewritten thousands of times, was an interesting personality. The writings of Lorenzo Villa, like other Italians, made a great impression on him. As a result, Erasmus began to actively support the humanist movement, which sought to revive the ancient ideals of beauty, truth, virtue and perfection.
Erasmus of Rotterdam received further education in Paris, between1492 and 1499. He was listed at the theological faculty, but was engaged in the study of ancient literature. In 1499 Erasmus moved to England. There he was admitted to 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 that Erasmus of Rotterdam was interested in were philology, ethics and religion. He studied and published the works of early Christian writers and ancient authors. Erasmus created and developed various methods of interpretation and criticism. His translation of the New Testament is of great importance. By correcting and interpreting Christian sources, he hoped to renew theology. However, contrary to his intentions, he gave rise to rationalist criticism of the Bible.
Erasmus of Rotterdam himself did not expect such results.
His philosophy was quite simple and accessible to anyone. He considered the basis of piety to be the divine principle, which lies in the spiritual and moral life and the earthly world.
He called his views "the philosophy of Christ" - this meant that everyone should consciously follow high morality, the laws of piety, as if imitating Christ.
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, among different peoples.
Along with this, ancient culture was taken by himfor the pattern and base.
Erasmus mercilessly and with some irony denounced the ignorance and vices of all classes, including the clergy.
He was also categorically against internecine wars. He saw them as an obstacle to the development of culture. He considered nobles, monarchs and priests to be the instigators of wars.
Erasmus sought to correct the shortcomings of society by spreading education and a new culture.
Pedagogy was the basis of his activity. He recommended mentors to 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 the time.
