Statesman · 1478 – 1535

Thomas More

Wrote Utopia, a foundational work of political philosophy that gave the world a new word and idea, rose to become Lord Chancellor of England, and was martyred for his conscience, later canonized as a saint.

Political Achievements

  • Served as Lord Chancellor of England, the first layman to hold the office in centuries.

Major Works

  • Utopia

Impact Analysis

More gave political thought a lasting idea and word — utopia — and his death made him an enduring symbol of conscience standing against state power.

Historical influence score: 79/100