Thomas More

Date of Birth: February 7, 1478

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 6, 1535

Biography

Thomas More was an English author, lawyer, and statesman, most famous for his book “Utopia,” published in 1516. Born in London, More was educated at St. Anthony’s School and later attended the University of Oxford. He became a close advisor to King Henry VIII and served as Lord Chancellor from 1529 to 1532. More’s opposition to the King’s separation from the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England led to his execution for treason in 1535. His works, particularly “Utopia,” have been influential in political philosophy and literature, exploring themes of justice, governance, and the ideal society. More was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1935.

5 Interesting Facts about Thomas More

1. Thomas More coined the term “Utopia,” which has become synonymous with an ideal society.

2. More was a devout Catholic and refused to accept King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England, leading to his martyrdom.

3. He was a prolific writer, and his works include not only “Utopia” but also various letters, poems, and theological treatises.

4. More was known for his wit and humor, which often found expression in his writings and conversations.

5. He was also a humanist and a close friend of the famous Dutch scholar Erasmus, with whom he maintained a long correspondence.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Thomas More

1. “The things we pray for, good Lord, give us grace to labor for.”

2. “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.”

3. “A pretty face may be enough to catch a man, but it takes character and good nature to hold him.”

4. “The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”

5. “The King’s good servant, but God’s first.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a historical figure from the 16th century, Thomas More’s net worth is not documented in modern financial terms. However, as Lord Chancellor, he held a significant position of wealth and influence in Tudor England.

Children

Thomas More had four children with his first wife, Jane Colt: Margaret, Elizabeth, Cecily, and John. After Jane’s death, he married Alice Harpur Middleton, who had a daughter from her previous marriage.