Desiderius Erasmus presents a bold critique that shakes both the Church and society in his work In Praise of Folly. But what did this famous humanist mean by the concept of madness? Erasmus’ life was shaped by his clever tactics against religion and authority, as well as his passion for freedom. How did madness reflect the fine line between his critical thought and wisdom?
Erasmus’ Difficult Beginning
Desiderius Erasmus was born in 1466 in the Netherlands. His father was a clergyman, but he was born as an illegitimate child. His life became complicated from the moment he was born. Having lost both his mother and his newly acquainted father at an early age, Erasmus was seen as an unwanted child by his relatives. As a result, the gifted child was sent to a monastery. Fortunately, the Church was always ready to take this talented boy under its wing. Young Erasmus first attended a church school and then entered the Ögis Monastery, not because of his religious inclination, but because the monastery housed the country’s best collection of classical works.
Erasmus’ Monastery Years
Erasmus took his vows as a priest at the age of 22. However, during his years in the monastery, he did not fully dedicate himself to religion. Despite this, he was consecrated as a priest by the bishop. Erasmus was rarely seen in priestly attire, for he was a master at preserving his inner freedom despite external pressures. For various reasons, he had the privilege of not wearing the clerical robe. He was also exempted from fasting obligations with a doctor’s note.
Erasmus’ Passion for Independence
After leaving the monastery, Erasmus never returned. This reflected his passion for independence. He did not wish to be dependent on anything or anyone. Erasmus was known not as a rebel, but as a clever tactician. He avoided futile resistance against the powerful and preferred negotiation. Unlike Luther, who fearlessly removed his priestly robe, Erasmus quietly left it behind after obtaining permission.
Years of Education and Travel
Erasmus’ student years were long and difficult. By the age of 26, unable to endure narrow-mindedness, he freed himself from the monastery. During his time there, he wrote The Praise of Folly. His passion for Latin was noticed by the bishop of Northern France, who offered him a position as a secretary in Italy.
Erasmus’ Years in England and Thomas More
During his travels, Erasmus met Thomas More. Over time, their friendship deepened and greatly benefitted Erasmus’ spirit. He dedicated In Praise of Folly to More as a token of their friendship. The title of the work even comes from the Greek form of More’s surname, “Moros.”
In Praise of Folly and the Concept of Wisdom
Erasmus’ In Praise of Folly is a work that advocates for the liberation of the individual, allowing them to speak freely. In his book, Erasmus explores the fine line between wisdom and madness. Stultitia, the main character of the work, is a woman who embodies the opposite of wisdom. In this piece, which questions the difference between folly and wisdom, Erasmus seeks to guide his readers toward the pursuit of truth.
The Differences Between Erasmus and Luther
Erasmus advocated for the reform of the Church, but unlike Martin Luther, he did not want the violent division of the Christian world. Luther, as a dogmatic theologian, adopted a harsher stance against Erasmus. While the two great minds shared fundamentally the same ideas, their approaches to defending those ideas were very different. Luther was a strict and fanatical leader, while Erasmus was more tolerant and conciliatory.
Erasmus’ Final Years
When Erasmus’ health deteriorated, he consciously embraced retreat. Despite his frail body, he managed to survive for 70 years during one of the most tumultuous periods in history. His last words on his deathbed were “Dear God.”