Erasmus

Famous quotes containing the word erasmus:

    If you look at history you’ll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power has fallen into the hands of some dabbler in philosophy or literary addict.
    —Desiderius Erasmus (c. 1466–1536)

    Kings have many ears and many eyes.... They have ears that listen a hundred miles from them; they have eyes that espy out more things than men would think. Wherefore, it is wisdom for subjects not only to keep their princes’ laws and ordinances in the face of the world but also privily ... for conscience sake.
    —Desiderius Erasmus (c. 1466–1536)

    Human affairs are so obscure and various that nothing can be clearly known. This was the sound conclusion of the Academic sceptics, who were the least surly of philosophers.
    —Desiderius Erasmus (1469–1536)