Erasmus’s idea of printed book: Erasmus was the Latin scholar and a Catholic reformer. He criticized the printing of books. He thought that most of the books are stupid, ignorant, scandalous, raving, irreligious and seditious. According to him such books devaluate the valuable books

Erasmus's Idea of the Printed Book

Erasmus, a renowned scholar and humanist of the Renaissance period, had a significant impact on the development and popularization of printed books. His ideas and beliefs about the importance of printed books can be summarized as follows:

1. Accessibility and Dissemination of Knowledge
Erasmus believed that printed books had the power to make knowledge and information more accessible to a wider audience. Prior to the invention of the printing press, books were handwritten and laboriously copied, making them expensive and limited in availability. The printing press revolutionized this process by enabling the mass production of books. According to Erasmus, this accessibility to books would contribute to the dissemination of knowledge, allowing more people to access information and engage in intellectual pursuits.

2. Preservation of Knowledge
Erasmus recognized the significance of printed books in preserving knowledge for future generations. Handwritten manuscripts were susceptible to damage, loss, and decay, which posed a threat to the preservation of valuable works. However, printed books could be reproduced in large quantities, ensuring their longevity and wider distribution. Erasmus believed that the preservation of knowledge through printed books was essential for the progress and advancement of society.

3. Standardization and Accuracy
One of the advantages of printed books, according to Erasmus, was the ability to maintain accuracy and consistency in the content. With handwritten manuscripts, errors and variations were common due to individual scribes and copyists. However, the printing press allowed for the creation of standardized texts, reducing the possibility of errors and ensuring the accuracy and uniformity of information. Erasmus emphasized the importance of accurate and reliable texts, as they formed the foundation for scholarly research and intellectual discourse.

4. Intellectual Freedom and Democratic Access
Erasmus believed that the availability of printed books would promote intellectual freedom and democratic access to knowledge. Prior to the printing press, the Church and powerful institutions controlled the dissemination of information. However, the printing press democratized access to knowledge, allowing individuals to engage in independent thinking, question authority, and challenge prevailing beliefs. Erasmus saw printed books as a means to empower individuals and foster intellectual growth and critical thinking.

In conclusion, Erasmus's idea of the printed book revolved around its accessibility, preservation of knowledge, standardization, and the promotion of intellectual freedom. He recognized the transformative power of printed books in expanding access to information, preserving knowledge, and fostering intellectual development among a wider audience.