1. The Importance of Education and Classical Learning:
* Both Erasmus and More saw classical education as vital for the development of a well-rounded individual and a flourishing society.
* Erasmus, in particular, believed that education should be accessible to all, not just the elite, and stressed the importance of reason and critical thinking.
* More, in his "Utopia," depicted an ideal society where education was central, focusing on practical skills and civic responsibility alongside the classics.
2. Critique of Church Corruption and Reform:
* Both authors were deeply concerned with the corruption within the Catholic Church, particularly the sale of indulgences and the abuse of power by the clergy.
* Erasmus, in works like "The Praise of Folly," used humor and satire to criticize the church's hypocrisy and call for a return to the simplicity of early Christianity.
* More, in his "Dialogue Concerning Heresies," argued for a more tolerant and reasoned approach to theological differences, advocating for reform rather than persecution.
3. Social Justice and the Common Good:
* Both men showed a deep concern for social justice and the welfare of the common people.
* Erasmus addressed poverty, inequality, and the plight of the poor in his writings, calling for a more just and compassionate society.
* More, in "Utopia," envisioned an egalitarian society with shared resources, where everyone contributed to the common good and no one lived in poverty.
4. Humanism and the Importance of Reason:
* Both authors emphasized the dignity and worth of the individual and the power of reason in shaping human affairs.
* They advocated for a more balanced and humane approach to life, rejecting blind faith and superstition in favor of critical thinking and moral reflection.
* Their humanist views challenged traditional authority and paved the way for the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment.
5. Peace and Reconciliation:
* Erasmus, in his "The Education of a Christian Prince," advocated for peace and diplomacy, arguing that war was always a last resort.
* He promoted the idea of a Christian commonwealth based on love and mutual understanding, transcending national boundaries.
* More, in "Utopia," envisioned a society without war, where differences were resolved through reason and compromise.
6. Political and Social Satire:
* Both Erasmus and More used satire as a powerful tool to expose hypocrisy and folly in society.
* Erasmus's "The Praise of Folly" is a masterpiece of satirical wit, targeting the foolishness of human behavior, including religious and political institutions.
* More, in "Utopia," employed satire to critique the injustices and absurdities of the existing social order, contrasting it with his ideal society.
While their approaches and emphases might have differed, Erasmus and More shared a commitment to promoting a more just, humane, and enlightened world. Their writings served as powerful critiques of their times and continue to inspire and resonate with readers today.