Renaissance Swag: Why Desiderius Erasmus Was Called the "Prince of Humanists"

“Happiness is reached when a man is ready to be what he is.” (Desiderius Erasmus, 1466-1536)

As we browse the various Colleges within any major University we are sure to see one labeled Humanities. These Colleges developed directly from the rich historical philosophies and traditions within Humanism—a branch of classical philosophy called, in Latin, “humanitas”—which was reintroduced in Italy during the early European Renaissance by the scholar Petrarch (as explained by Joseph Pearson in his blog post, “Reborn from the ashes”). Why then, if Petrarch helped facilitate the rebirth of Humanism, was Desiderius Erasmus called the “Prince of Humanism”? Well, it boils down to the following: When it came to Humanism, Erasmus was a man that practiced what he preached; we rarely find those two actions in congruence.

            

Though he educated himself at many renowned Universities, Erasmus considered himself an independent and nonpartisan scholar. He embraced a system of thought that gave primacy to human beings rather than the divine (though he expressed deep respect for the Catholic Magisterium). With correspondences to more than five-hundred men involved in politics and philosophy, Erasmus was at the center of the literary movement in his generation. He was an example that we can emulate in 2015 by speaking up and speaking on important issues.

Erasmus challenged the medieval views of Academia and the Catholic Church with his satirical writing by addressing the innate value and potential of human beings as well as the issues we all face. To top it off, Erasmus accomplished his influence—entering many discussions with serious religious topics and political figures—without taking sides or being marginalized by political leaders. The scholars that he corresponded with respected the way he expressed his humanist ideals. That, my friends, is Humanitarian Swag—when we can persuasively argue yet still be agreeable.