Desiderius Erasmus

Desiderius Erasmus was a Dutch scholar and humanist of the Renaissance, born around 1466. He is best known for his critical works on the Bible and his emphases on education and moral philosophy. Erasmus advocated for a return to original texts and emphasized reason, ethics, and the importance of reading scripture in one's native language. His most famous work, *In Praise of Folly*, satirized the corrupt practices of his time. Erasmus's ideas influenced the Reformation and the development of modern thought, promoting a more thoughtful and educated approach to religion and society.