Sir Thomas More
Sir Thomas More
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Sir Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478, in London, England. His full name is Thomas More, but he is commonly known as Saint Thomas More.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: February 7, 1478
Died: June 22, 1535
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Sir Thomas More was an English lawyer, philosopher, and statesman. He served as the Chancellor of England from 1529 to 1532.
Early Life and Background
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Thomas More was born into a prominent family in London. His father, John More, was a judge's under-sheriff, and his mother, Agnes Griffith, came from a wealthy family. Thomas was the second of six children, and he was educated at St. Anthony's School in Threadneedle Street, London.
At the age of 12, Thomas entered Oxford University to study Latin, Greek, and theology. He later moved to Cambridge University, where he studied law and earned his bachelor's degree. After graduating from Cambridge, Thomas was admitted to Lincoln's Inn, a prestigious law school in London.
Major Accomplishments
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Member of Parliament: Sir Thomas More served as a member of the English Parliament from 1504 to 1523.
Lord Chancellor: He became Lord Chancellor of England in 1529 and held this position until his resignation in 1532.
* Author: Sir Thomas More wrote several books, including "Utopia," a work of fiction that described an imaginary society.
Notable Works or Actions
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Sir Thomas More's most famous work is undoubtedly "Utopia." In this book, he described a fictional island society where people lived in harmony with one another. The book was written in 1516 and was first published in Latin. It has since been translated into many languages and remains a classic of utopian literature.
Sir Thomas More also wrote several other books, including "A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation" and "The History of King Richard III." He was a prolific writer and his works are still studied today by scholars around the world.
Impact and Legacy
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Sir Thomas More's impact on history is significant. As Lord Chancellor, he played an important role in shaping the English government during the reign of King Henry VIII. However, his opposition to the king's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to his resignation from office.
In 1534, Sir Thomas More was arrested and put on trial for refusing to recognize King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. He was found guilty and sentenced to death by beheading. On June 22, 1535, he was executed outside the Tower of London.
Despite his tragic end, Sir Thomas More's legacy lives on. He is remembered today as a champion of justice, morality, and conscience. His writings continue to inspire people around the world, and he remains one of the most important figures in English history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Sir Thomas More is widely quoted or remembered for his unwavering commitment to his principles. He refused to compromise his values, even when faced with death. His courage and conviction have inspired countless people throughout history, including many of the greatest thinkers and leaders.
His writings are still studied today by scholars around the world. "Utopia" is considered one of the greatest works of utopian literature ever written, and its influence can be seen in everything from modern social movements to science fiction novels.
In 1935, Sir Thomas More was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, and he remains one of the most revered figures in English history.
Quotes by Sir Thomas More
Let them speak as lewdly as they list of me...as long as they do not hit me, what am I the worse?
God made the angels to show Him splendor, as He made animals for innocence and plants for their simplicity. But Man He made to serve Him wittily, in the tangle of his mind.
What part soever you take upon you, play that as well as you can and make the best of it.
Failing all else, their last resort will be: 'This was good enough for our ancestors, and who are we to question their wisdom?' Then they'll settle back in their chairs, with an air of having said the last word on the subject -- as if it would be a major disaster for anyone to be caught being wiser than his ancestors!
Failing all else, their last resort will be: 'This was good enough for our ancestors, and who are we to question their wisdom?' Then they'll settle back in their chairs, with an air of having said the lst word on the subject -- as if it would be a major disaster for anyone to be caught being wiser than his ancestors!
The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all make the point as clear as possible: The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden. If you don't want paradise, you are not human; and if you are not human, you don't have a soul.
Kindness and good nature unite men more effectually and with greater strength than any agreements whatsoever, since thereby the engagements of men's hearts become stronger than the bond and obligation of words.
For if you suffer your people to be ill-educated, and their manners to be corrupted from their infancy, and then punish them for those crimes to which their first education disposed them, what else is to be concluded from this, but that you first make thieves and then punish them.