The Legacy of Desiderius Erasmus
By Shikha Sachdeva
Desiderius Erasmus is well-known for being a Christian humanist as well as writing and editing many great works of literature. His most famous book, The Praise of Folly, was a satirical attack on the traditions of the Catholic Church and is still being reprinted today, while his other works include Adagia, The Enchiridon, The Bretheren of Common Life, Institutio principis Christiani (Education of a Young Prince), and Ecclesiasties. He is also credited with the formation of the expression 'Pandora's Box.'
Erasmus is also known for translating, editing, and annotating many works of people like Saint Ambrose, Saint Augustine, Cicero, and Aristotle.
In Erasmus' hometown of Rotterdam, the local university and gymnasium have been named for him. Also, Erasmushouse was built in his honor. The people of Rotterdam annually celebrate three famous dates from his life: April 1, the release of The Praise of Folly, October 28, his birthday, and during the summer, the Night of Erasmus celebrates the lasting influence of his work.
In 1980, the Erasmus of Rotterdam Society was founded to encourage research and writing on Erasmus, his contemporaries, and their intellecual milieu. They publish a Yearbook yearly of their writings and lectures, and also publish three yearly lectures commemerating Erasmus' birthday, ordination to priesthood, and death.
Despite Desiderius Erasmus' great contributions to literature and lasting legacy, he remained very modest until his death. As he once famously stated, "What is properly called fame is nothing but an empty name and a legacy from paganism."
Sources:
http://www.answers.com/topic/erasmus
http://smith2.sewanee.edu/erasmus/holberas.jpeg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmus
http://www.sfu.ca/~pabel/ers.htm