John Henry Newman (1801–90) was a British theologian, philosopher, priest, apologist, and poet. Initially an Anglican clergyman and educator, he converted to Roman Catholicism as part of the Oxford movement and became a cardinal. He was regarded as one of the most influential figures of Victorian Britain.
Born in London, Newman was educated at Trinity College, Oxford. He became a Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, which he quit in 1843 before joining the Catholic Church.
Newman was a principal figure in the Oxford movement, which sought to restore Catholic philosophy within the Church of England in opposition to its Protestant biases. He triggered a scandal with Tract 90 (1841,) which made a case that the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England could be squared with Roman Catholic dogma.
In 1846, Newman went to Rome, where he was ordained a priest. His published texts, including An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (1845,) sermons, and Letters and Diaries, influenced the Second Vatican Council (1962–65.)
Newman is remembered mainly for his autobiography, Apologia pro Vita Sua (1864,) an account of his spiritual progression. Pope Benedict XVI beatified him in 2010; Pope Francis made him a saint in 2019.
Newman also wrote The Idea of a University (1852,) an appeal for universities to proffer a liberal education aimed at the cultivation of the mind.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John Henry Newman
Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Carpe-diem, Anxiety, Fear
It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say that he is one who never inflicts pain.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Manners
In a higher world it is otherwise; but here below to live is to change, and to be perfect is to change often.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Change
Growth is the only evidence of life.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Change, Growth
Learn to do thy part and leave the rest to Heaven.
—John Henry Newman
Faith … acts promptly and boldly on the occasion, on slender evidence.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Faith, Doubt, Decisions, Uncertainty, Belief
Nothing would be done at all if one waited until one could do it so well that no one could find fault with it.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Perfection, Risk-taking
Ten thousand difficulties do not make one doubt.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Difficulty, Doubt
If we insist on being as sure as is conceivable … we must be content to creep along the ground, and can never soar.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Doubt, Risk-taking, Uncertainty
If we are intended for great ends, we are called to great hazards.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Danger, Risk
Calculation never made a hero.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Risk
The love of our private friends is the only preparatory exercise for the love of all men.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Friends and Friendship
A great memory is never made synonymous with wisdom, any more than a dictionary would be called a treatise.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Memory
Courage does not consist in calculation, but in fighting against chances.
—John Henry Newman
Topics: Courage
I sought to hear the voice of God and climbed the topmost steeple, but God declared: “Go down again – I dwell among the people”.
—John Henry Newman
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