Adages

About “Adages”

Desiderius Erasmus's "Adages" is a collection of Greek and Latin proverbs, each with accompanying commentary. The work contains over 3,000 entries, tracing the origins of each saying and explaining its meaning and use. Erasmus aimed to preserve and promote classical wisdom, blending his views on society, religion, and culture. Many of the proverbs, such as "Know thyself" and "Pandora's box," are still used today. The commentaries reflect his satirical and evangelical perspectives. Erasmus expanded the work while in Venice at the printing house of Aldus Manutius. The adage "Dutch ear" suggests his critical view of Italian society, and his goal was to write for honest and unassuming readers. "Adages" was influential in the Renaissance and remains studied today.