從宏觀的眼光探討伊拉斯莫(Erasmus)的思想對荷蘭在16世紀文藝復興時期的影響

Abstract

Between the eleventh and fourteenth century, Holland was consisting of many semi-independent states ruled by Dukes. The name ”Holland” came from a contract between the states in 1083. Since then it had been expanding by merging neighboring states. People in Holland relied on agriculture and fishing. With long years of fighting for survival in the sea and lives relying on commerce, the Dutch people cultivated a sense of freedom and character of democracy. When Humanism spread from Italy to the low countries (”Nederlands”) in the fifteenth century, it gained popularity very quickly. Erasmus, one of the most famous Dutch scholars, finished the training in religion in an abbey in Rotterdam. He traveled around Europe, establishing relationship with the nobles all around as well as a status as a great scholar. Erasmus published several classics in Greek and Latin and revised the New Testaments. His works inspired and fostered the and a heart full of kindness and forgiveness profoundly influenced Dutch people's minds, which turn Holland into a garden of Eden abounded with pursuit for freedom and idea. Taiwan created world-famous economic miracles, rebuilt itself from wreck after World War ll, and survived several global financial crisis. Many Taiwanses entrepreneurs have been all over the world striving for opportunities and profits like the Dutch businessmen. However, with progress in economic freedom and democracy, Taiwan is now paralyzed by a swelling self-conceit, chaos from ubiquitous politics and unenforceable policies. Can Taiwanese learn from Erasmus and make Taiwan a more beautiful and civilized country Like Dutch? This is my hope when I write this article. ”The Revolufion of Mind” proposed by the former President Lee Dun-Hui should be an important work to revive Taiwan. I am very much looking for ward to seeing its happening.