Thomas More

Thomas More (1478–1535) was an English statesman, lawyer, scholar, and author best known for his influential work Utopia. Born in London, he received an excellent classical education and studied at Oxford before pursuing a legal and political career. More rose to prominence during the reign of Henry VIII, eventually becoming Lord Chancellor of England in 1529. He was also a close friend of the Dutch humanist Erasmus and an important figure of Renaissance humanism in England. His most famous work, Utopia (1516), describes an imaginary island society and uses it to examine politics, economics, social inequality, education, and the organization of society. The book gave the word “utopia” its lasting place in the English language and political thought. More was a devout Catholic and eventually came into conflict with Henry VIII over the king's decision to reject papal authority and establish the Church of England. Refusing to acknowledge Henry as Supreme Head of the Church, More was imprisoned and later executed for treason in 1535. Thomas More was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1935. He is remembered both as a major Renaissance humanist and as a historical figure associated with conscience, intellectual independence, and resistance to political pressure.