The entire world is my temple, and a very fine one too, if I'm not mistaken, and I'll never lack priests to serve it as long as there are men.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
Given a choice between a folly and a sacrament, one should always choose the folly—because we know a sacrament will not bring us closer to god and there’s always the chance that a folly will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that embracing folly may lead to greater spiritual insight than adhering strictly to tradition.
In this quote, Desiderius Erasmus argues for the value of folly over the rigidity of religious sacraments. He proposes that while sacraments may seem a safe choice in a spiritual context, they often do not foster a deeper connection with the divine. In contrast, folly, although perceived as foolishness, might open pathways to genuine understanding and enlightenment, hinting at the importance of personal experience and exploration in one's spiritual journey.
Themes
FollySacramentSpiritualityWisdomExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about the importance of personal faith, one might quote Erasmus to highlight the value of questioning traditions.
More from Desiderius Erasmus
All quotes →When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
You'll see certain Pythagorean whose belief in communism of property goes to such lengths that they pick up anything lying about unguarded, and make off with it without a qualm of conscience as if it had come to them by law.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
[N]o party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
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 ErasmusRead
Fortune favours the audacious.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
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