John Henry Newman Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Henry Newman.

John Henry Newman was a prominent English theologian, author, and clergyman of the 19th century. Born on February 21, 1801, in London, England, he is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of the Church of England. Newman was raised in a devout Anglican family and was educated at Oxford University, where he became a fellow of Oriel College. He quickly gained recognition for his intellect and theological insights.

Newman's journey led him to undergo a profound spiritual transformation, eventually converting to Roman Catholicism in 1845. This decision caused a significant stir within the Anglican community and considerably impacted his career. Nevertheless, he rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church and, in 1879, was appointed a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII. As a Catholic, Newman played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and religious landscape of the Victorian era.

Throughout his life, Newman wrote extensively on various theological subjects, philosophical debates, and matters of faith. Some of his most renowned works include "Apologia Pro Vita Sua," an autobiographical defense of his conversion, and "The Idea of a University," a treatise on education and its purpose. Newman's writings continue to be appreciated for their eloquence, intellectual rigor, and influence on religious thought.

John Henry Newman died on August 11, 1890, in Birmingham, England, leaving behind a distinguished legacy as a theologian, scholar, and advocate for the importance of faith and reason. He was eventually beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, recognizing his virtuous life and contribution to the Catholic Church.

From shadows and symbols into the truth!

From shadows and symbols into the truth!

John Henry Newman

Truth Symbols

Good is never accomplished except at the cost of those who d

Good is never accomplished except at the cost of those who do it, truth never breaks through except through the sacrifice of those who spread it.

John Henry Newman

Truth Responsibility Inspirational Awareness

Let us take things as we find them: let us not attempt to di

Let us take things as we find them: let us not attempt to distort them into what they are not... We cannot make facts. All our wishing cannot change them. We must use them.

John Henry Newman

Change

There is in stillness oft a magic powerTo calm the breast wh

There is in stillness oft a magic powerTo calm the breast when struggling passions lower,Touched by its influence, in the soul ariseDiviner feelings, kindred with the skies.

John Henry Newman

Serenity

Ability hits the mark where presumption overshoots and diffi

Ability hits the mark where presumption overshoots and diffidence falls short.

John Henry Newman

Ability

To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed o

To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.

John Henry Newman

Change

It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say that he is o

It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say that he is one who never inflicts pain.

John Henry Newman

Manners

It is often said that second thoughts are best. So they are

It is often said that second thoughts are best. So they are in matters of judgment but not in matters of conscience.

John Henry Newman

Best

The love of our private friends is the only preparatory exer

The love of our private friends is the only preparatory exercise for the love of all men.

John Henry Newman

Friends

Growth is the only evidence of life.

Growth is the only evidence of life.

John Henry Newman

Growth

From the age of fifteen, dogma has been the fundamental prin

From the age of fifteen, dogma has been the fundamental principle of my religion: I know no other religion I cannot enter into the idea of any other sort of religion religion, as a mere sentiment, is to me a dream and a mockery.

John Henry Newman

Age

We can see the Divine in each speck of dust, but that doesn'

We can see the Divine in each speck of dust, but that doesn't stop us from wiping it away with a wet sponge. The Divine doesn't disappear; it's transformed into the clean surface.

Paulo Coelho


A great memory is never made synonymous with wisdom, any mor

A great memory is never made synonymous with wisdom, any more than a dictionary would be called a treatise.

John Henry Newman

Wisdom