Erasmus

A 3D printed version of an older statue.
Not too sure about the colour though.

During our recent visit to Rotterdam, we saw several things to do with Erasmus. He was a Dutch philosopher and Christian Scholar who lived from 1466 to 1536. He was reportedly born in Rotterdam (not entirely certain), but only lived there for 4 years. He always called himself Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus though and is still a legacy to the city.

'The whole earth is your fatherland'

There is a Erasmus University (which some people think was designed by him: not true) and of course the Erasmus Bridge. Internationally speaking there is also an international university exchange programme that gives students the chance to study temporarily in another country. 

His book 'The Praise of Folly' is shown here.
On the other side were books by John Locke and Pierre Bayle.

He is perhaps most famous for all the works he has written and the many quotes taken from them. We saw several while walking through Rotterdam. 

'The most important condition for happiness is that you want to be what you are'

The first quote I showed you is particularly fitting for Rotterdam: there are over 170 different nationalities living there. The second quote is fitting for the times we live in now: everybody has to be happy all the time. Often at some considerable cost. Sometimes it is just enough to change your mindset and be happy with what you have and what you are.