Animals only follow their natural instincts; but man, unless he has experienced the influence of learning and philosophy, is at the mercy of impulses that are worse than those of a wild beast. There is no beast more savage and dangerous than a human being who is swept along by the passions of ambition, greed, anger, envy, extravagance, and sensuality.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Education
No Man is wise at all Times, or is without his blind Side.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Wisdom
I consider as lovers of books not those who keep their books hidden in their store-chests and never handle them, but those who, by nightly as well as daily use thumb them, batter them, wear them out, who fill out all the margins with annotations of many kinds, and who prefer the marks of a fault they have erased to a neat copy full of faults.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Literature
A constant element of enjoyment must be mingled with our studies, so that we think of learning as a game rather than a form of drudgery, for no activity can be continued for long if it does not to some extent afford pleasure to the participant.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Education
You must acquire the best knowledge first, and without delay; it is the height of madness to learn what you will later have to unlearn.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Knowledge
Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Knowledge
The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Peace
I am a lover of liberty. I will not and I cannot serve a party.
— Desiderius Erasmus
Freedom
There is no doubt about Martin Luther's marriage, but the rumour about his wife's early confinement is false; she is said however to be pregnant now. If there is truth in the popular legend, that Antichrist will be born from a monk and a nun (which is the story these people keep putting about), how many thousands of Antichrists the world must have already!
— Desiderius Erasmus
Religion