It was expected, however, that [Erasmus] should make some…
![“It was expected, however, that [Erasmus] should make some reply and give some definition. But instead, by availing himself of a rhetorical transition, he drags us who knew nothing of rhetoric away with him, as if the matter at issue here were of no moment, but simply a lot of quibbling, and dashes…” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/054/martin-luther-106_erasmus_it-was-expected-however-that-erasmus-sho_455257.jpg)
““It was expected, however, that [Erasmus] should make some reply and give some definition. But instead, by availing himself of a rhetorical transition, he drags us who knew nothing of rhetoric away with him, as if the matter at issue here were of no moment, but simply a lot of quibbling, and dashes bravely out of the crowded court, crowned with ivy and laurel.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Luther critiques Erasmus for avoiding substantive debate, using rhetorical tricks to sidestep the issue.
In simple terms: Erasmus evades real argument with fancy language.
Key Takeaway
Focus on substance over style.
Themes
rhetoric
debate
substance
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
scholarly
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- public debates
- teaching rhetoric
Key Concepts
humanism
theology
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when language masks avoidance?
- When does style become a barrier to understanding?
A Different Perspective
Rhetorical flourish can obscure truth.