Erasmus Quote by Martin Luther
![“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/quotes/img-quotes/054/martin-luther-106_insults_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
Source Book: The Freedom of a Christian, Martin Luther, 1520
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.
![“I understood that you would take the Human Race in the concrete, have exploded the absurd notion of Pope's Essay on Man, [Erasmus] Darwin, and all the countless Believers-even (strange to say) among Xtians-of Man's having progressed from an Ouran Outang state-so contrary to all History, to all…” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d9/samuel-taylor-coleridge-425_absurd_i-understood-that-you-would-take-the-hum_1607354.jpg)
