Geoffrey Fisher Quotes

Powerful Geoffrey Fisher for Daily Growth

About Geoffrey Fisher

Geoffrey Fisher (1887-1972) was an eminent English prelate, statesman, and author, best known as the 101st Archbishop of Canterbury from 1945 to 1961. Born on July 3, 1887, in St. Pancras, London, Fisher was educated at Marlborough College and Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he excelled academically and showed an early interest in theology. Fisher's life took a significant turn when he was ordained as a deacon in 1913 and then as a priest in 1914. His career in the Church of England saw rapid progression, with appointments as Bishop of Exeter (1928), Bishop of Salisbury (1935), and Archbishop of York (1940). It was during his time as Archbishop of York that he became a key advisor to Winston Churchill during World War II. In 1945, following the death of Archbishop William Temple, Fisher succeeded him as Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the spiritual head of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. His tenure was marked by his strong leadership during the post-war period, his involvement in ecumenical dialogues with other Christian denominations, and his advocacy for social justice. As a writer, Fisher made significant contributions to theology and church history. Notable works include "The Church of God" (1936), "The Service of Man" (1947), and "The Art of Pastoral Care" (1951). These books reflected his progressive views on social issues and his pastoral approach to spiritual leadership. Geoffrey Fisher passed away on October 21, 1972, leaving behind a rich legacy as a respected religious leader, influential author, and a key figure in British history during the mid-20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The care and feeding of children is, after all, the chief business of the society of adults."

This quote emphasizes that the primary responsibility of any society lies in nurturing and educating its young generation. The adults are tasked with providing not only for the physical needs (care) but also for the intellectual, emotional, and social development (feeding) of children to ensure a prosperous future for everyone. This is the fundamental role that society must fulfill in order to thrive.


"To be a Christian means to forgive the iniquities of the present as if they were not; and also to have forgotten the sins of the past."

This quote emphasizes the fundamental teachings of Christianity, particularly the principles of forgiveness and love. It suggests that true Christians should strive to forgive others' current wrongdoings as though they never occurred, demonstrating compassion, understanding, and empathy. Moreover, the quote implies that followers of this faith should let go of past grievances or transgressions, promoting the idea of moving forward with kindness and avoiding resentment. Overall, it underscores the importance of forgiveness and love in fostering positive relationships within the Christian community and beyond.


"If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people He gave it to."

This quote implies that wealth is not inherently good or evil; it's how people use it that reflects their character and moral compass, as suggested by God's choices in distributing wealth. It suggests a critique of inequality and promotes the idea that true virtue and integrity are more important than material possessions.


"The Church is the only institution that lives by borrowing from the future."

The quote by Geoffrey Fisher suggests that the Church, as an institution, sustains itself through faith in the future. This could be interpreted in several ways; it may refer to its ability to inspire hope and belief among its followers about the afterlife or a divine plan. It also implies a reliance on future generations for continued support and growth. In essence, the Church's survival and prosperity are intrinsically tied to its vision for the future.


"We are all a great deal more almost Christian than we are quite Christian."

This quote suggests that while many people may claim to be Christians or follow Christian values, their actions often fall short of fully embodying those teachings. It implies a widespread tendency for individuals to be somewhat Christian in their beliefs, but not consistently live up to the moral and ethical standards associated with Christianity in their daily lives. This is due to various reasons such as personal weaknesses, societal pressures, or simply forgetting the importance of Christian values in everyday decisions. In other words, we may all aspire to be good Christians, but few are able to achieve this ideal consistently.


I have asked myself once or twice lately what was my natural bent. I have no doubt at all: It is to look at each day for the evil of that day and have a go at it, and that is why I have never failed to have an acute interest in each morning's letters.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Why, Asked, Acute, Letters

Who knows whether in retirement I shall be tempted to the last infirmity of mundane minds, which is to write a book.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Book, Last, Which, Tempted

This country and the Commonwealth last Tuesday were not far from the Kingdom of Heaven.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Country, Last, Were, Tuesday

The long and distressing controversy over capital punishment is very unfair to anyone meditating murder.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Over, Very, Capital, Meditating

Some of the press who speak loudly about the freedom of the press are themselves the enemies of freedom. Countless people dare not say a thing because they know it will be picked up and made a song of by the press. That limits freedom.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Song, Some, Loudly, Limits

In a civilized society, all crimes are likely to be sins, but most sins are not and ought not to be treated as crimes. Man's ultimate responsibility is to God alone.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Treated, Likely, Civilized, Ought

I hope that by going to visit the pope I have enabled everybody to see that the words Catholic and Protestant, as ordinarily used, are completely out of date. They are almost always used now purely for propaganda purposes. That is why so much trouble is caused by them.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Date, Pope, Purely, Visit

My feelings are those of a schoolboy getting in sight of the holidays. Or more seriously, my feelings are perhaps those of a matador who has decided not to enter the bull ring.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Ring, More, Schoolboy, Bull

In cities no one is quiet but many are lonely; in the country, people are quiet but few are lonely.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Country, Few, Cities, Lonely

Until you know that life is interesting - and find it so - you haven't found your soul.

- Geoffrey Fisher

Soul, Find, Found, Interesting

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