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
When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Erasmus emphasizes the importance of knowledge over material possessions by prioritizing books over food and clothing.
In this quote, Desiderius Erasmus expresses a profound belief in the value of education and knowledge. He suggests that while money is a necessary resource, he prefers to invest in books, which represent learning and enlightenment, before fulfilling basic needs like food and clothing. This highlights the idea that intellectual growth and the pursuit of knowledge are of paramount importance in life.
Themes
EducationBooksKnowledgeMoneyPriorities
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of literacy, I might quote Erasmus to emphasize valuing books.
More from Desiderius Erasmus
All quotes βYou'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.
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[N]o party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
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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.
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Fortune favours the audacious.
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Before you sleep, read something that is exquisite, and worth remembering.
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