Sir Thomas More Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sir Thomas More.

Sir Thomas More was an influential figure in 16th-century England, known for his roles as a lawyer, philosopher, politician, and humanist. Born on February 7, 1478, in London, More came from a prosperous family. He received a classical education and later studied law at Oxford. More found success as a lawyer and held numerous public offices, including being elected to the English Parliament.

More's most famous work is his book, "Utopia," published in 1516. In this work, he describes an imaginary society on an island, criticizing the social and political ills of his time. More's views on social justice, religious tolerance, and the responsibilities of the ruling class profoundly influenced later thinkers.

In politics, More served as a personal advisor to King Henry VIII and rose through the ranks to become Chancellor of England in 1529. However, he found himself at odds with the king's religious and political reforms, notably the establishment of the Church of England. More could not accept Henry VIII's annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, and his refusal to acknowledge the king as the head of the Church led to his downfall.

In 1535, More was convicted of treason for refusing to endorse Henry VIII's divorce and was executed on July 6 of the same year. He is honored as a martyr and a saint by the Catholic Church. More's life and works continue to inspire discussions on political philosophy, morality, and the nature of power.