Desiderius Erasmus and Francois Rabelais were both European humanist thinkers who shared some common beliefs and interests:
1. Criticism of institutions: Both Erasmus and Rabelais were vocal critics of the established institutions of their time, including the Catholic Church and the monarchy. They used their writings to challenge social norms and traditions, which often made them targets of censorship and persecution.
2. Use of satire and humor: Both authors used satire and humor to critique society and expose injustices. Their writings were often laced with irony and absurdity, which made them entertaining even in their social critique.
3. Emphasis on education: Erasmus and Rabelais were both proponents of education and believed in the importance of humanist learning for personal and social development. They advocated for the study of classical texts, languages, and the development of critical thinking skills.
4. Attention to language: Both authors were known for their attention to language and their use of clever wordplay and puns. They were masters of writing in multiple languages, which allowed them to reach a wider audience and spread their ideas more effectively.
Overall, Erasmus and Rabelais shared a commitment to intellectual freedom, critical inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge. Their works continue to influence modern humanist thought and inspire generations of scholars and writers.