Legacy of Erasmus of Rotterdam!
A guest Post by John Wood Jr on Peace and Virtue
Gracious Reader,
October 28 marked the 557th birthday of Desiderius Erasmus!
In this issue of Civic Renaissance, we explore:
A note from Lexi
Legacy of Erasmus through the lens of the eminently thoughtful John Wood Jr.
Below, you can find my video following in the footsteps of Erasmus, part of my Grand Tour project from a few years ago, created in preparation for a future book. I look forward to reading your thoughts on this great thinker in the comments below!
A note from Lexi
John Wood Jr. has been a longtime friend and fellow advocate for how the wisdom of the past can help heal our divides and lead us to richer lives today—the central idea that unites this community!
I first came across John and his important work at Braver Angels when I read a 2018 article in The Economist about their efforts to de-escalate our politics and humanize political opponents in an era where the stakes feel high, and we are tempted to demonize those with whom we differ.
Soon after, I wrote an article about their work called The Curious Reemergence of Little Platoons.
John and I became fast friends over our shared passion for ideas, elevated political discourse across differences, and intellectual and social renewal in our world.
I remember being thrilled when he actually took me up on my suggestion to read a biography about an unsung hero of moderation in history, Erasmus of Rotterdam.
“I love this book and Erasmus,” he said to me. “He has a lot of important things to teach us today.”
I couldn’t agree more. I invited him to share his thoughts on Erasmus and why he matters to us today—and what more appropriate time to do that than on the day Erasmus was born!
Enjoy learning from John — and happy belated birthday, Erasmus!
Peace and Virtue – the Legacy of Desiderius Erasmus
by John Wood Jr.
John Wood Jr. is a key leader in the American depolarization movement and serves as the national ambassador for Braver Angels, the largest bipartisan grassroots organization focused on reducing political polarization. He is a renowned public speaker on political and racial reconciliation, having spoken at prestigious institutions such as the Aspen Institute, CPAC, and major universities like Duke and UC Berkeley. His writings appear in leading publications like The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Real Clear Politics. He co-hosts the Braver Angels Podcast and hosts The John Wood Jr. Show.
Wood previously ran for Congress in California's 43rd district in 2014 and later became the 2nd Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles. He also advises several organizations, including The American Project and the 1776 Unites Project, and supports educational initiatives for at-risk youth in Los Angeles. Additionally, he serves on the board of Strive Arts and Academics.
Raised in a musical family, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children.
History does not always transmit greatness to our modern recollection equitably. During the time of the Great Reformation the towering figures of Martin Luther, Henry VIII, reformer Ulrich Zwindli, and other religious revolutionaries were not alone in defining the course and conscience of Christendom. Exalted in the courts of Europe, applauded and shunned by universities and theologians, admired and scorned by Protestants and Catholics alike, Desiderius Erasmus was at one time perhaps the most admired Christian thinker in the world. He was a man who both helped inspire the Reformation yet stood a staunch defender of the united Catholic Church to the bitter end. Sadly his name has almost escaped our historical memory. But happily, not quite.
The illegitimate son of a priest elevated beyond his lowly station in recognition of his gifts, Erasmus was a theologian concerned with doctrine, but more concerned with the principles of virtue that animate the true Christian life and that till the soil for peace. To the extent to which he is remembered today it is often as author of the essay In Praise of Folly (written as a compliment to his friend, the venerated Sir Thomas More, but ironically not a work of which Erasmus was particularly proud). But Erasmus was a councilor to Popes and Princes, a fount of wisdom sought out by those governing Europe during the height of Christian power.
Of paramount concern to Erasmus in his guidance to the great and powerful of Europe was the preservation of peace. In The Education of a Christian Prince, written for Prince Charles V (ultimately King of Spain, The Netherlands, Holy Roman Emperor and head of the house of Habsburg) Erasmus speaks of the mighty empire of Alexander the Great but implores Charles to recognize that his inheritance is greater than Alexander’s. For Alexander’s empire was won by bloodshed.
But, “you were born to a splendid empire…so that, while he had to expend great efforts on invasion, you will have perhaps to work to ensure that you can voluntarily hand over part of your dominions rather than seize more. You owe it to heaven that your empire came to you without the shedding of blood…your wisdom must now ensure that you preserve it without bloodshed and at peace.”
Those who read The Education of a Christian Prince will be struck by the democratic spirit with which Erasmus sought to tutor the mighty of Europe. He begins by saying “there is something beyond human nature, something wholly divine, in absolute rule over free and willing subjects.” Yes, “absolute rule” is not a prerogative we would grant anyone in our modern democratic age. But Erasmus opens up his entreaty to Charles and the princes of Europe with a sanctification of sorts of the consent of the governed. And as the pages progress he speaks at length of the qualities that should be prized in a prince where there is the chance to select one by vote; qualities such as “calmness and equability of temperament and a sober disposition devoid of all rashness…”
He continues with the following analogy: “On board ship, we do not give the helm to the one who has the noblest ancestry of the company, the greatest wealth, or the best looks, but to him who is most skilled in steering. Similarly, a kingdom is best entrusted to someone who is better endowed than the rest with the qualities of a king, namely wisdom, a sense of justice, personal restrain, foresight, and concern for the public well-being.”
Though Erasmus acknowledged it to be rare in their time for a prince to be chosen by vote (and never popular vote in the few cases of this occurring) the thrust of his instruction was to urge Christian princes to aspire to be the type of ruler that the people would freely choose if given the chance to choose. It is in this way of thinking that we see Erasmus shine among the ranks of humanists, of which he was the most famous of his age.
But in the time of the Reformation, Erasmus became a figure of controversy not for his extremism but, astoundingly, for his moderation. He bemoaned the indulgences and other growths of corruption that he observed within the Catholic church. This was seen as giving kindle to the fires of Lutheranism as the reformation raged across Europe, and so it was said by many this “either Erasmus lutheranizes or Luther Erasmianizes.” Still Erasmus, revealing an inner conservatism even as he sympathized with the forces of reform, believed that peace and unity within the church called for a reconciliatory approach to advocating for change. He therefore incurred the angry disappointment of Luther and reformers even as his writings became the object of scrutiny and in some cases condemnation and banishment by the papal authorities whose legitimacy he sought to defend.
In the end, the man who was once beloved by all wound up becoming a lonely voice for peace and virtue standing against the rising tides of sectarian polarization and violence. But for Erasmus, how we treat one another was greater evidence of true Christianity than was ideological agreement on every point of doctrine. May it not prove too late for the modern world to learn this lesson.
Connect with John and find out more about his work:
Looking ahead:
November 12- Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce, Muncie, IN
November 14- Berry College, Mt. Berry, GA
November 19- Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI
January 23, 2025- I am thrilled to announce that I will be speaking at Yale Law School this coming January, invited by the Crossing Divides Program, part of the Tsai Leadership Program, which is dedicated to building strong bridges across our differences.
Invitation:
Civic Renaissance Retreat: Would You Join Us?
Would you be interested in joining us for a Civic Renaissance retreat and conference on civility in 2025 in Indianapolis?
I envision this as an opportunity to gather and discuss how we can flourish despite our differences and how to bring these ideas back to your community to help it thrive amidst division.
What could this look like?
Write to me with your interest and ideas at ahudsonassist@gmail.com
In the news:
Honored to share this sermon series inspired by my book, The Soul of Civility.
The art of conversation: Books for going beyond conflict- Thank you to The Christian Science Monitor for including The Soul of Civility on this list! I'm honored to be featured alongside such impactful reads.
Five podcasts on democracy and pluralism you should listen to today
Blue Sky Podcast- Author Alexandra Hudson on Her Book, The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves
How to Be a Better Human Podcast: I loved talking with Chris Duffy on his excellent TED podcast about How to be civil even if you disagree (w/ Alexandra Hudson)
Civility is our eternal project- review of the soul of civility by the George W. Bush Center
Thank you for being part of our Civic Renaissance community!
A Year Ago on Civic Renaissance:
