Erasmo de Róterdam, known as Desiderius Erasmus, was a Dutch philosopher and theologian born in 1466. He is best known for his works on humanism, which emphasized the importance of education and critical thinking. Erasmus advocated for a return to the original texts of the Bible and classical literature, promoting a more personal and direct relationship with faith. Erasmus's most famous work, In Praise of Folly, satirizes the corrupt practices of the church and society. He played a significant role in the Renaissance by encouraging reform and intellectual inquiry, influencing later thinkers like Martin Luther and contributing to the development of modern Western thought.