Thomas More – Truly, “A Man for all Seasons”
Today we commemorate the death (and the life) of Thomas More, who died on this day in 1565. To many, he is known through Robert Bolt 's biographical play “A Man for all Seasons”, later an Academy Award Winning Film in 1967. Bolt (interestingly, an avowed agnostic) was fascinated by the strength of character and conscience which sustained More through the crucible of Henry VIII 's relentless pressure to submit to his will. While countless of his lay and clerical contemporaries yielded to the command to obey or lose everything (including their lives), More was one of a small handful who persevered to maintain their principles at the greatest sacrifice imaginable. Many who admire this remarkable …show more content…
It can safely be said that my personal interest in Thomas More is not a passing fancy. I have read no less than 10 biographies of the man and the Tudor period in England in which he lived. My oldest son bears his name. There have been many martyrs of conscience in human history, including his contemporary John Fisher among others. What has made this man such a compelling, attractive figure to myself and many others, with devotion to him accelerating within the past century? We are fortunate that a significant body of printed matter from him and about him exists, allowing us to make a rather full measure of the personality, attitude, and actions of our subject. Certainly his master work of satirical social and political commentary, “Utopia” is noteworthy – but far from inclusive of his appeal. He is revered to this day in England as the common man 's jurist – with swift, impartial justice for all irregardless of social standing or wealth. His wit, wisdom and searing insight made him eminently quotable, and certainly endearing. For example, the faithful counselor and entertaining companion that Henry VIII kept close to his side for many years was prescient enough to note at the time …show more content…
In balance however, we can ask ourselves a poignant question: had Thomas More surrendered his conscience for the sake of expediency, how would he be remembered today? He would have likely maintained some measure of historical esteem due to his published works, his endearing personality and his reputation as the people 's jurist. However, would he have become Robert Bolt 's “A Man for All Seasons”? Likely not. We can say with certainty that he would not have become the canonized Saint, Thomas More. I would not be writing about him at this moment, nor would be reading about him. The act which was so misunderstood at the time by those closest to him became in fact his crowning jewel in the fullness of time. May his enduring legacy inspire each of us to measure the value of our own informed conscience, and resolve to remain steadfast to our intellectual and spiritual convictions with the full measure of love and perseverance displayed by the remarkable Thomas
Today we commemorate the death (and the life) of Thomas More, who died on this day in 1565. To many, he is known through Robert Bolt 's biographical play “A Man for all Seasons”, later an Academy Award Winning Film in 1967. Bolt (interestingly, an avowed agnostic) was fascinated by the strength of character and conscience which sustained More through the crucible of Henry VIII 's relentless pressure to submit to his will. While countless of his lay and clerical contemporaries yielded to the command to obey or lose everything (including their lives), More was one of a small handful who persevered to maintain their principles at the greatest sacrifice imaginable. Many who admire this remarkable …show more content…
It can safely be said that my personal interest in Thomas More is not a passing fancy. I have read no less than 10 biographies of the man and the Tudor period in England in which he lived. My oldest son bears his name. There have been many martyrs of conscience in human history, including his contemporary John Fisher among others. What has made this man such a compelling, attractive figure to myself and many others, with devotion to him accelerating within the past century? We are fortunate that a significant body of printed matter from him and about him exists, allowing us to make a rather full measure of the personality, attitude, and actions of our subject. Certainly his master work of satirical social and political commentary, “Utopia” is noteworthy – but far from inclusive of his appeal. He is revered to this day in England as the common man 's jurist – with swift, impartial justice for all irregardless of social standing or wealth. His wit, wisdom and searing insight made him eminently quotable, and certainly endearing. For example, the faithful counselor and entertaining companion that Henry VIII kept close to his side for many years was prescient enough to note at the time …show more content…
In balance however, we can ask ourselves a poignant question: had Thomas More surrendered his conscience for the sake of expediency, how would he be remembered today? He would have likely maintained some measure of historical esteem due to his published works, his endearing personality and his reputation as the people 's jurist. However, would he have become Robert Bolt 's “A Man for All Seasons”? Likely not. We can say with certainty that he would not have become the canonized Saint, Thomas More. I would not be writing about him at this moment, nor would be reading about him. The act which was so misunderstood at the time by those closest to him became in fact his crowning jewel in the fullness of time. May his enduring legacy inspire each of us to measure the value of our own informed conscience, and resolve to remain steadfast to our intellectual and spiritual convictions with the full measure of love and perseverance displayed by the remarkable Thomas