Erasmus' Traces

episode 4: Belgium

Where it is good, there is my country
Ubi bene, ibi patria

Erasmus' concept of a united Europe was mainly spiritual and cultural, whereas the present European unity is largely based on economic principles. The accent in the episode is on Brussels. Erasmus is sometimes called the first European. He attached more importance to what is universally human than to patriotic sentiments. In the course of his travels he regularly recorded his opinion on the countries and people he came across. These writings are full of humorous statements about national characteristics.