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What did Erasmus write about Thomas More’s character and family life?
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Thomas More
Sir Thomas More, oil on panel by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1527; in the Frick Collection, New York City.
The Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus held his friend Thomas More in high regard, frequently presenting him as a model for the European intelligentsia. In his correspondence, Erasmus described More’s character and domestic life with the following observations:
- Personal Character: Erasmus noted that simplicity marked More’s approach to food and dress. He described him as a man "born for friendship" who possessed a remarkable memory and a talent for extempore speech. More was known to find delight in even the dullest people or things and was a generous individual who gave freely without expecting gratitude. He also maintained an openness to innocent pleasures, including those of a bodily nature.
- Family Life: Erasmus characterized More’s family affections as warm yet unobtrusive. Despite his intense professional responsibilities, More dedicated time to prayer and the supervision of his "domestic school." In this household, he provided his children—most of whom were girls—with a refined education in both Classical studies and Christian principles.1