A Christian Humanist
While Colet is not as well known a Christian humanist as Erasmus, his writings are reflective of Christian humanism. He studied Cicero, Augustine, Jerome, John Chrysostom, Ignatius of Antioch, Lactantius and Polycarp.
In his writings, Colet refers to Italian humanists and Platonists Marsilio Ficino and Pico della Mirandola.
Erasmus said of Colet: “When I listen to Colet it seems to me that I am listening to Plato himself”. Erasmus likely portrayed Colet to show that one could be highly critical of the Church while still a loyal priest. His depiction of Colet was partly a depiction of himself.
Read more about this topic: John Colet
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