Thomas More

Utopia

Early Modern influential 98 sayings

Sayings by Thomas More

If I were a woman, I would marry a lawyer, for then I should be sure to have him always with me.

Unknown — Attributed, likely anecdotal
Controversial Unverifiable

What, Master Rich, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world... But for Wales?

1960 (play), referring to 1535 — During his trial, reported by Robert Bolt in 'A Man for All Seasons' (dramatization, not a direct qu…
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not of so little wit, as to set my soul in peril.

1535 — Letter to Margaret Roper, May 1535
Controversial Unverifiable

No man can live but by bread, and I will not take bread from the mouth of my wife and children.

c. 1557 (referring to 1532) — Reported by William Roper after resigning chancellorship
Controversial Unverifiable

I pray God, that I may be found a true Christian, and a faithful subject, and that I may die in the Catholic faith.

1535 — Letter to Margaret Roper, May 1535
Controversial Unverifiable

I fear me, I shall never be able to answer the King's Grace in these matters, but with peril of my life.

c. 1557 (referring to 1534) — Reported by William Roper, prior to his arrest
Controversial Unverifiable

I have not hitherto behaved myself like a man that was ashamed of the faith of Christ, nor I trust I never shall.

1535 — During his trial, reported in 'Sir Thomas More: A Man for All Seasons' by E. E. Reynolds
Controversial Unverifiable

I have not changed my mind, but I have changed my clothes.

Unknown, referring to 1532 — Attributed, possibly apocryphal, said when changing into a simpler gown after resigning
Controversial Unverifiable

The King's highness is a gracious prince, and I trust to God that he will show himself merciful unto me.

1535 — Letter to Margaret Roper, May 1535
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not afraid of the King's displeasure, if I may keep my conscience clear.

c. 1557 — Reported by William Roper
Controversial Unverifiable

And albeit, Master Rich, that I have in my time, as I think, as great a mind as any man, to please the King, yet I never thought, nor never will think, but that my soul is more to me than my body.

1535 — During his trial, as recorded in 'The History of King Richard the Third' by Thomas More (though this…
Controversial Unverifiable

I will not meddle with the King's marriage.

c. 1557 (referring to 1534) — Reported by William Roper, when refusing to take the oath
Controversial Unverifiable

I reckoned that I had not so much as a groat in the world.

c. 1557 (referring to 1532) — After resigning as Lord Chancellor, reported by William Roper
Controversial Unverifiable

I am afraid of nothing but sin.

Unknown — Attributed, often quoted in hagiographies
Controversial Unverifiable

If I could win the whole world and lose my soul, I would not do it.

Unknown — Attributed, similar to Matthew 16:26, but often paraphrased as his sentiment.
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not, nor ever have been, a man of ceremonies.

1535 — Letter to Margaret Roper, May 1535
Controversial Unverifiable

And if I had done otherwise than I did, I should have lost my soul.

1535 — During his trial, as recorded in 'The History of King Richard the Third' by Thomas More (though this…
Controversial Unverifiable

I will not dispute with you, but I will pray for you.

c. 1557 (referring to 1534-1535) — Reported by William Roper, in conversations with his daughter Margaret
Controversial Unverifiable

I am the King's true subject, and daily pray for him and all his, and for the preservation of this realm.

1534 — Letter to Thomas Cromwell, 5 March 1534
Controversial Unverifiable

God give me grace, to bear my tribulation with patience.

1535 — Letter to Margaret Roper, May 1535
Controversial Unverifiable