Erasmus was a Dutch humanist and theologian who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his works 'The Praise of Folly' and 'Education of a Christian Prince'. He was an important figure in the Renaissance and Reformation movements, advocating for religious tolerance and education reform. He was also a proponent of classical studies and wrote extensively on the subject. Erasmus is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the Dutch language and culture.