Erasmus von Rotterdam

Erasmus of Rotterdam (probably born in 1466 or 1469 in Rotterdam, died in 1536 in Basel) was a Dutch humanist, philologist, theologian, and priest. He entered an Augustinian monastery around 1487 and later studied, among other places, in Paris. Erasmus is regarded as one of the leading representatives of Renaissance humanism in Europe. His writings combine philological scholarship with criticism of abuses in the Church and society, as well as advocacy of peace and religious tolerance. His best-known works include the satire *The Praise of Folly*, dedicated to his friend Thomas More, the collection of proverbs *Adagia*, and *The Complaint of Peace*. He engaged with Martin Luther in particular through his treatise *On Free Will*.