Thomas Fuller Quotes

Powerful Thomas Fuller for Daily Growth

About Thomas Fuller

Thomas Fuller (1608-1661), an English cleric and Anglican divine, was born on January 13, 1608, in Fen Ditton, near Cambridge, England. He was the son of a farmer and attended Jesus College, Cambridge, but did not graduate due to financial constraints. Fuller's literary career began as a schoolmaster, followed by his ordination as a deacon in 1634 and then a priest in 1635. Influenced by the works of Lancelot Andrewes and Richard Hooker, Fuller's theological beliefs were deeply rooted in the Anglican tradition. During the English Civil War, he was initially supportive of Parliament but became disillusioned with its religious policies. He was ejected from his living under the Commonwealth (1653-1660) due to his nonconformity and spent the interregnum as a private tutor. Fuller's most significant work, "The Church History of Britain," was published in three volumes between 1655 and 1662. This comprehensive historical account details ecclesiastical history from the Roman occupation to his own time, interweaving anecdotes, sermons, and homilies with historical facts. Another notable work is "The Holy State and the Profane State," published posthumously in 1682. This political treatise discusses the relationship between church and state, drawing on biblical and historical examples to advocate for a well-governed society. Thomas Fuller died on August 17, 1661, in Lincoln's Inn Fields, London. His works continue to be appreciated for their scholarly depth, engaging prose, and enduring relevance in the fields of history, theology, and political thought. His quotes, such as "Tis the first pride that makes a fool," reflect his astute observations on human nature and remain applicable today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Truth will ultimately prevail, if it affairs nothing but time."

This quote by Thomas Fuller suggests that truth, though it may not immediately or easily triumph over falsehoods, will eventually do so given enough time. It underscores the idea that truth is inherently powerful and reliable, even if it faces temporary setbacks or resistance. The quote offers a comforting perspective for those who value truth and honesty, reminding them that their pursuit of truth is ultimately vindicated over time.


"The chief enemy that a writer of books of every kind has to fight against is time."

This quote by Thomas Fuller emphasizes the struggle authors face in managing their time effectively. Writing books requires dedication, creativity, and patience, but it's also a race against time due to external pressures such as publisher deadlines, market trends, or personal life demands. Time is precious because it's finite and unforgiving; it doesn't wait for anyone, and the writer must make every second count to bring their vision to fruition. It serves as a reminder that time management and prioritization are essential skills for any writer striving for success.


"If I could recollect the past, I should find where I have often been an ass."

This quote suggests that people often make mistakes or act foolishly in the past without realizing it at the time. Reflecting on one's life can help uncover these moments of folly, providing an opportunity for self-improvement and growth as a result of learning from those experiences.


"He is always the richest man who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature."

This quote emphasizes that true riches are not measured by material possessions or wealth, but rather by contentment - a state of being satisfied with what one has. Contentment, as Fuller suggests, is a source of inner wealth, making one the richest individual regardless of their external circumstances.


"Extreme love or hatred are both forms of weakness."

The quote by Thomas Fuller suggests that intense emotions, whether it's deep love or intense hatred, can be indicative of a lack of strength or balance in one's character. Instead, a moderate, balanced approach to life, relationships, and feelings is a sign of wisdom and emotional maturity. In essence, he implies that the ability to understand, appreciate, and respond appropriately to situations without being overwhelmed by excessive emotions is a valuable trait.


Memory is the treasure house of the mind wherein the monuments thereof are kept and preserved.

- Thomas Fuller

Memory, Mind, Thereof, Monuments

There is a scarcity of friendship, but not of friends.

- Thomas Fuller

Friendship, Friends, Scarcity

A lie has no leg, but a scandal has wings.

- Thomas Fuller

Lie, Wings, Scandal, Leg

A fox should not be on the jury at a goose's trial.

- Thomas Fuller

Fox, Jury, Should, Goose

We have all forgot more than we remember.

- Thomas Fuller

Remember, More, Than, Forgot

Choose a wife rather by your ear than your eye.

- Thomas Fuller

Dating, Eye, Rather, Ear

We are born crying, live complaining, and die disappointed.

- Thomas Fuller

Die, Born, Disappointed, Crying

Eaten bread is forgotten.

- Thomas Fuller

Bread, Forgotten, Eaten

With devotion's visage and pious action we do sugar o'er the devil himself.

- Thomas Fuller

Devil, Devotion, Himself, Pious

Care and diligence bring luck.

- Thomas Fuller

Luck, Chance, Bring, Diligence

Light, God's eldest daughter, is a principal beauty in a building.

- Thomas Fuller

Architecture, Principal, Eldest

A book that is shut is but a block.

- Thomas Fuller

Book, Shut, Block

First get an absolute conquest over thyself, and then thou wilt easily govern thy wife.

- Thomas Fuller

Over, Govern, Thy, Wilt

If thou art a master, be sometimes blind; if a servant, sometimes deaf.

- Thomas Fuller

Art, Blind, Servant, Thou Art

Thou ought to be nice, even to superstition, in keeping thy promises, and therefore equally cautious in making them.

- Thomas Fuller

Making, Thy, Keeping, Thou

All things are difficult before they are easy.

- Thomas Fuller

Work, Before, Things, All Things

A good friend is my nearest relation.

- Thomas Fuller

Good, Friend, Nearest, Good Friend

Let him who expects one class of society to prosper in the highest degree, while the other is in distress, try whether one side; of the face can smile while the other is pinched.

- Thomas Fuller

Other, Side, Distress, Expects

Leftovers in their less visible form are called memories. Stored in the refrigerator of the mind and the cupboard of the heart.

- Thomas Fuller

Mind, Visible, Less, Leftovers

A good garden may have some weeds.

- Thomas Fuller

Gardening, Some, May, Garden

Better a tooth out than always aching.

- Thomas Fuller

Better, Always, Than, Aching

'Tis skill, not strength, that governs a ship.

- Thomas Fuller

Strength, Ship, Skill, Tis

'Tis not every question that deserves an answer.

- Thomas Fuller

Question, Answer, Deserves, Tis

A man in passion rides a horse that runs away with him.

- Thomas Fuller

Man, Horse, Away, Runs

'Tis better to suffer wrong than do it.

- Thomas Fuller

Better, Suffer, Than, Tis

A drinker has a hole under his nose that all his money runs into.

- Thomas Fuller

Nose, Hole, His, Runs

If you command wisely, you'll be obeyed cheerfully.

- Thomas Fuller

Leadership, You, Cheerfully, Wisely

A good horse should be seldom spurred.

- Thomas Fuller

Horse, Should, Seldom, Spurred

An ounce of cheerfulness is worth a pound of sadness to serve God with.

- Thomas Fuller

Wisdom, Cheerfulness, Pound, Ounce

Anger is one of the sinews of the soul.

- Thomas Fuller

Anger, Soul, Sinews

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