Desiderius Erasmus was born as the illegitimate son of a priest and a physician's daughter in Rotterdam. Despite the circumstances of his birth, he would become the most famous scholar in Europe.

Erasmus attended the chapter school at Deventer run by the Brethren of the Common Life. Here he received an excellent education in Latin and was exposed to the devotio moderna, a reform movement emphasizing personal piety.

Both of Erasmus's parents died during a plague epidemic, leaving him an orphan. His guardians pressed him toward monastic life, though he had little vocation for it.

Erasmus entered the Augustinian monastery at Steyn, where he took vows in 1488. He later described these years as wasted, but he had access to classical texts and developed his Latin style.

Erasmus was ordained as a Catholic priest. He soon became secretary to the Bishop of Cambrai, gaining permission to leave the monastery and pursue his scholarly interests.

Erasmus studied theology at the Collège de Montaigu in Paris. He found the scholastic theology tedious and the living conditions harsh, but made connections with humanist scholars.

Erasmus made his first visit to England, meeting Thomas More and John Colet. Colet's lectures on St. Paul inspired Erasmus to apply humanist methods to biblical scholarship.

Erasmus published the first edition of his 'Adages,' a collection of Greek and Latin proverbs with commentary. The book became immensely popular and established his reputation throughout Europe.

Erasmus discovered Lorenzo Valla's notes on the New Testament, confirming his conviction that humanist textual criticism could improve biblical understanding and correct errors.

While staying with Thomas More, Erasmus wrote 'The Praise of Folly' (Moriae Encomium), a satirical work mocking superstition, clerical corruption, and scholastic pretension. It became one of the most influential books of the Renaissance.

Erasmus published his groundbreaking edition of the Greek New Testament with a new Latin translation. This work, exposing errors in the Vulgate, became essential for Protestant and Catholic reformers alike.

Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses, beginning the Protestant Reformation. Many assumed Erasmus supported Luther, saying 'Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched,' but Erasmus sought reform within the Church.

Erasmus publicly broke with Luther by writing 'On Free Will,' defending human freedom against Luther's determinism. Luther responded harshly, and Erasmus became caught between Catholic and Protestant factions.

When Basel officially adopted the Reformation, Erasmus moved to Catholic Freiburg. He refused to join either camp, maintaining his commitment to unity and reform through education.

Erasmus died in Basel, having returned despite its Protestant government. He never received the last rites, and his final words were 'Dear God.' His works were later placed on the Catholic Index of Forbidden Books.