Desiderius Erasmus

Philosopher

1466-10-28

Quotes by 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.

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• 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.

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• Nowadays the rage for possession has got to such a pitch that there is nothing in the realm of nature, whether sacred or profane, out of which profit cannot be squeezed.

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

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• Man's mind is so formed that it is far more susceptible to falsehood than to truth.

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

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• War is sweet to those who have not experienced it.

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• No one respects a talent that is concealed.

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• The entire world is my temple, and a very fine one too, if I'm not mistaken, and I'll never lack priests to serve it as long as there are men.

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• It's the generally accepted privilege of theologians to stretch the heavens, that is the Scriptures, like tanners with a hide.

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• Nature, more of a stepmother than a mother in several ways, has sown a seed of evil in the hearts of mortals, especially in the more thoughtful men, which makes them dissatisfied with their own lot and envious of another's.

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• The more ignorant, reckless and thoughtless a doctor is, the higher his reputation soars even amongst powerful princes.

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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?

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• What difference is there, do you think, between those in Plato's cave who can only marvel at the shadows and images of various objects, provided they are content and don't know what they miss, and the philosopher who has emerged from the cave and sees the real things?

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

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• Man is to man either a god or a wolf.

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• Women, can't live with them, can't live without them.

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• The fox has many tricks. The hedgehog has but one. But that is the best of all.

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