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Thinker · 7 quotes

Erasmus quotes for UPSC

7 sourced quotes by Erasmus on education & knowledge, civil services & public service, peace, non-violence & conflict, nation, unity & diversity, truth & wisdom, with a use case for each in GS4, Essay and interviews.

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Let the public good overcome all private and selfish regards of every kind and degree; though in truth, even private and selfish regards, and every man's own interest, will be best promoted by the preservation of peace.
— ErasmusThe Complaint of Peace (1521 A.D.)
Use itGS4: public interest must override private gain; open answers on conflict of interest.
Civil Services & Public ServicePeace, Non-violence & ConflictEssayGS4
Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.
— ErasmusLetter to Christian Northoff (1497), as translated in Collected Works of Erasmus (1974), p. 115
Use itEssay: distinguish owning information from genuine learning; critique credentialism and degree-collecting.
Education & KnowledgeEssayLife
A constant element of enjoyment must be mingled with our studies, so that we think of learning as a game rather than a form of drudgery, for no activity can be continued for long if it does not to some extent afford pleasure to the participant.
— ErasmusLetter to Christian Northoff (1497), as translated in Collected Works of Erasmus (1974), p. 114
Use itGS2/Essay on joyful learning and rote-free pedagogy; support NEP 2020's play-based approach.
Education & KnowledgeEssayGS2
The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.
— ErasmusAdagia (1508)
Use itEssay on war and peace; GS2 IR answer favouring diplomacy and negotiated settlements over conflict.
Peace, Non-violence & ConflictEssayGS2
This world, the whole of the planet called earth, is the common country of all who live and breathe upon it.
— ErasmusThe Complaint of Peace (1521 A.D.)
Use itEssay on global citizenship; pair with Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam for climate or G20 themes.
Nation, Unity & DiversityEnvironment & SustainabilityEssayGS2GS3
No Man is wise at all Times, or is without his blind Side.
— ErasmusThe Alchymyst, in Colloquies of Erasmus, Volume I
Use itInterview: admit a mistake gracefully; GS4 on humility and acknowledging one's blind spots.
Truth & WisdomMind & Self-awarenessGS4InterviewLife
A speech comes alive only if it rises from the heart, not if it floats on the lips.
— Erasmusin The Erasmus Reader (1990), p. 130
Use itInterview/leadership: sincere communication persuades; contrast authentic speech with empty rhetoric.
Media, Speech & Public OpinionLeadershipEssayInterviewLife

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