Desiderius Erasmus was a 15th-16th century Dutch scholar and priest who was a leading thinker of the Protestant Reformation. He promoted humanism, anti-formalism, and reform of the Catholic Church from within. Some of his most famous works include "In Praise of Folly" and "Institutio principis Christiani." While he agreed with Luther's views fundamentally, he refused to abandon the Catholic Church and maintained a friendship with Luther. Erasmus had a lasting impact by helping elevate humanistic studies and intellectual independence while supporting non-Protestant reforms of the Church.

1. Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam ‘Prince of the Humanists’; A gentleman, and a scholar.

2. Who was Erasmus? Born in Rotterdam, Holland: 1460’s Parents died early of plague Dutch philosopher and scholar Was a priest in his youth Fiercely independent Depiction of Erasmus by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1523

3. Beleifs and Philosophies Humanism Unrestricted learning Anti-formalism Church reform

4. Great Works Up to 20% of all books sold in the 1530’s were by Erasmus “ In Praise of Folly” “ In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” – Erasmus “ Institutio principis Christiani ”

5. Relationship With Luther Agreed with Luther fundamentally Refused to abandon the Church Promoted reform from within Still maintained friendship with Luther

6. Lasting Impact Helped to elevate humanistic studies Paved the way for intellectual independence Brought great support for non-Protestant anti-church reform Promoted the idea that rulers work for the people

7. Bibliography &quot; Desiderius Erasmus.&quot; Wikipedia . 2008. 9 Dec 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmus#Representations_of_Erasmus>. Kris, Steven. &quot;Desiderius Erasmus.&quot; The History Guide . 13 May 2004. 9 Dec 2008 <http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/erasmus.html>. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Holbein-erasmus.jpg#filelinks