Erasmus of Rotterdam
1466–1536 · Dutch · Northern Renaissance
Known for: The prince of humanists who mocked everyone and was loved by all — until the Reformation forced him to pick a side
Erasmus was the most famous scholar in Europe, whose Praise of Folly satirized the Church while his Greek New Testament laid groundwork for the Reformation. He advocated reform but refused to join Luther, earning criticism from both sides.
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