Education of a Christian Prince

work by Erasmus

Also known as: “Institutio principis Christiani”

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June 26, 2026

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The Education of a Christian Prince is a work by the Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus, written in 1516. It falls within the genre of "mirror for princes" literature, which provides guidance for rulers. Erasmus's work emphasizes the importance of a Christian education for princes, advocating for a ruler who embodies Christian virtues and governs justly.1

Erasmus believed that education was crucial for shaping a prince's character and ensuring good governance. He stressed the need for rulers to be well-versed in classical literature and Christian teachings to foster peace and social harmony. The text reflects Erasmus's broader humanist ideals, promoting a purified form of Christianity and advocating for reform within the church and society.23

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Erasmus
The wandering scholar
…Institutio principis Christiani (1516; The Education of a Christian Prince) and Querela pacis (1517; The Complaint of Peace). These works expressed Erasmus’s own convictions, but they also did no harm to Sauvage’s faction at court, which wanted to maintain peace with France. It was at this time too that he…
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…Institutio principis Christiani (1516; The Education of a Christian Prince) and Querela pacis (1517; The Complaint of Peace). These works expressed Erasmus’s own convictions, but they also did no harm to Sauvage’s faction at court, which wanted to maintain peace with France. It was at this time too that he…
Read More