30 Quotes By Desiderius Erasmus


The nearer people approach old age the closer they return to a semblance of childhood, until the time comes for them to depart this life, again like children, neither tired of living nor aware of death.
Desiderius Erasmus on age

Everyone knows that by far the happiest and universally enjoyable age of man is the first. What is there about babies which makes us hug and kiss and fondle them, so that even an enemy would give them help at that age?
Desiderius Erasmus on age

The desire to write grows with writing.
Desiderius Erasmus on communication

The nearer people approach old age the closer they return to a semblance of childhood, until the time comes for them to depart this life, again like children, neither tired of living nor aware of death.
Desiderius Erasmus on death

When I get a little money I buy books and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
Desiderius Erasmus on education

Your library is your paradise.
Desiderius Erasmus on education

War is delightful to those who have had no experience of it.
Desiderius Erasmus on experience

It is wisdom in prosperity, when all is as thou wouldn't have it, to fear and suspect the worst.
Desiderius Erasmus on fear

When I get a little money I buy books and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
Desiderius Erasmus on food

It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is.
Desiderius Erasmus on happiness

If you keep thinking about what you want to do or what you hope will happen, you don't do it, and it won't happen.
Desiderius Erasmus on hope

To know nothing is the happiest life.
Desiderius Erasmus on life

Nothing is as peevish and pedantic as men's judgments of one another.
Desiderius Erasmus on men

Time takes away the grief of men.
Desiderius Erasmus on men

When I get a little money I buy books and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
Desiderius Erasmus on money

Nowadays the rage for possession has got to such a pitch that there is nothing in the realm of nature, whether sacred or profane, out of which profit cannot be squeezed.
Desiderius Erasmus on nature

Nature, more of a stepmother than a mother in several ways, has sown a seed of evil in the hearts of mortals, especially in the more thoughtful men, which makes them dissatisfied with their own lot and envious of another s.
Desiderius Erasmus on nature

The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.
Desiderius Erasmus on peace

Time takes away the grief of men.
Desiderius Erasmus on sad

Whether a party can have much success without a woman present I must ask others to decide, but one thing is certain, no party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
Desiderius Erasmus on success