Sir Thomas More |
impact of Sir Thomas more
More’s experiences with Henry VIII and execution had a great impact on others. At his trial, he spoke about needing to follow his conscience in all matters.
"When a man takes an oath, he's holding his own self in his own hands like water. And if he opens his fingers then, he needn't hope to find himself again. Some men aren't capable of this, but I'd be loathed to think your father one of them."
-Thomas More, spoken to his daughter Margaret Roper |
More's contemporary Desiderius Erasmus was inspired by More's actions, saying, "...it would be hard to find anyone who was more truly a man for all seasons and all men.." This quotation references the Bible passage 1 Corinthians 9:22 which says, "I become all things to all men, that I might save all." Erasmus's comparison of Thomas More to Jesus shows what a high opinion More's generation had of him. |
Throughout More’s life, he was devoted to God, despite people's attempts to sway his morals near the end of his life. More’s beliefs regarding the king and religion can best be summed up with this quotation, spoken by More on the day of his execution:
“[I am] the King’s good servant, but God’s first."
“[I am] the King’s good servant, but God’s first."